The Federal Government has reportedly proposed a new minimum wage amount for workers in the country amidst a negotiation with organized Labour.
During Wednesday’s minimum wage committee meeting with the Federal Government, the Unions walked out over the government’s proposal of N48,000 as the new wage.
The government and the Organised Private Sector made what the unionists described as “ridiculous offers” of N48,000 and N54,000, respectively.
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Recall that Labour had demanded a wage of N615,000 and gave the Federal Government till May 31 to conclude negotiations.
The Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage reconvened for negotiations on Wednesday. Sources revealed that representatives from organized labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), were visibly displeased with the government’s offer.
Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, an NLC representative, expressed their frustration, questioning the specifics of the N48,000 offer. He highlighted the lack of clarity regarding whether the amount was intended for transport, food, clothing, housing, or other essentials.
Ndubuaku recounted, “We asked whether the N45,000 is for transport, food, clothing, housing or for what. So we just told them that since they are not serious, we better just leave, so we stormed out of the place.”
The government’s offer was presented by the Permanent Secretary of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Office.
It remains to be seen how both parties’ wide gap in expectations and valuations will be breached following the breakdown in negotiations.
