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To resolve issues and stop the ongoing strike by organized labour, the Federal Government on Monday invited the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) through the National Salaries, Wages, and Income Commission.
The invitation is to bring both parties back to the negotiation table.
With the strike already biting hard across the country, it is uncertain whether the labour leaders will attend the meeting.
Several unions have already complied with the strike directive from the NLC and TUC and shut down their workplaces.
The strike followed the government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage above N60,000.
NLC President Joe Ajaero announced on Friday that the strike would commence at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
In a joint statement with TUC President Festus Osifo, they expressed their deep concerns and disappointment over the government’s failure to finalize and enact a new National Minimum Wage Act. They also demanded a reversal of the electricity tariff hike to N65/kWh.
The unions had set an ultimatum of May 31, 2024, for negotiations on the new minimum wage.
However, talks broke down on Tuesday after both sides presented their offers. The government had increased its initial offer from N57,000 to N60,000, which was rejected by the labour unions. In contrast, the unions lowered their demand from N497,000 to N494,000, a proposal still far from the government’s offer.
As the strike continues, the government’s invitation to the labour leaders represents a crucial step towards resolving the standoff, with the hope of preventing further disruptions to essential services and economic activities nationwide.
Punch