Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has stated that the organized labour will defer any industrial action until President Bola Tinubu announces his stance on the proposals presented by the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage.
This announcement comes amidst a standoff over competing proposals for the new minimum wage.
While Labour advocates for a minimum wage of ₦250,000 as a feasible living wage, the federal and state governments, along with the Organised Private Sector, have proposed ₦62,000.
The Tripartite Committee submitted both proposals to President Tinubu via the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
Speaking from Geneva, Switzerland, at the International Labour Conference, Ajaero emphasized that the NLC will await the President’s decision before determining their next steps. He clarified that the National Executive Council would convene to discuss the outcome and provide direction accordingly.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Labour Unions Reject ₦62,000 Minimum Wage Offer, Demand ₦250,000
This statement contrasts with previous indications that Labour was prepared to resume industrial action if their demands were not met by the specified deadline. However, Labour’s stance shifted following the submission of proposals to the President.
The protracted deadlock over the minimum wage saw weeks of negotiations, culminating in an indefinite industrial action declared on June 3, 2024. Despite the relaxation of the strike last week, disagreements persist between Labour and the government regarding an economically realistic wage in light of prevailing inflationary pressures.
With both sides unable to reach a consensus during recent talks, the fate of the minimum wage now rests on President Tinubu’s decision.
It is anticipated that his ruling will prompt the formulation of an executive bill to be presented to the National Assembly for legislative approval, marking a crucial step towards resolving this contentious issue.
