Trade Union Congress threatens to strike as Federal Government faces criticism over minimum wage deadlock. Labour rejects ₦60,000 proposal, demands ₦494,000 amid economic challenges. TUC president urges government seriousness before the May 31 deadline. Talks deadlocked as workers decry inadequate wages amidst rising inflation.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has criticized the Federal Government's indifference towards a new minimum wage, warning of a potential strike if demands are not met. Despite months of negotiation, both sides remain deadlocked, with labor rejecting the government's latest proposal of ₦60,000.
TUC President Festus Osifo emphasized the discrepancy between the proposed wage and the nation's economic realities, urging the government to take the issue seriously before the May 31 deadline. Osifo also criticized the Tinubu government for its policy inconsistencies.
Meanwhile, the Organised Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and TUC, rejected the government's offer and demanded ₦494,000 as the new minimum wage. Talks ended without resolution, leaving uncertainty over workers' future earnings. With the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 deemed inadequate to support families amidst rising inflation, labor unions emphasize the urgent need for substantial increases.
Despite ongoing negotiations, the lack of consensus underscores the deepening divide between workers' economic needs and government policies
