Joe Ajaero, NLC President, demands living wages for Nigerian workers during a crucial meeting with National Assembly officials. The NLC threatens a nationwide strike over the federal government's inaction on minimum wage and electricity tariff issues. Festus Osifo, TUC President, highlights economic challenges facing workers.
In a crucial meeting in Abuja, Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), underscored the union's fight for a living wage for Nigerian workers, rejecting what he termed "starvation wages." This dialogue with the National Assembly, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), ministers, and NLC leadership was convened to forestall a planned nationwide strike set to begin the next day.
The NLC had previously announced an indefinite strike starting on June 3rd, driven by the federal government's failure to finalize a new national minimum wage and address the recent hike in electricity tariffs. In response, the National Assembly organized this meeting to find a resolution and prevent the strike.
During the discussions, Ajaero emphasized the dire need for wages that support a decent living standard, pointing out that the workers in question are integral to Nigerian society, including being family members of the lawmakers and ministers present. He stressed the importance of ensuring these workers receive fair compensation for their labor.
Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), highlighted the challenging economic conditions over the past year, which have exacerbated difficulties in negotiating a new minimum wage. He underscored the significant hardship faced by Nigerians, reinforcing the urgency of the labor unions' demands.
The ongoing negotiations reflect a broader struggle for economic justice and equitable treatment of workers in Nigeria.
