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Tag: minimum wage

  • Again, minimum wage

    •Labour’s call for new minimum wage is more than a little challenging

    Workers in the country once again seized the opportunity of this year’s Workers Day to renew their demand for N56,000 minimum wage.  Minimum wage is supposed to be reviewed once in every five years. With the last review done in 2010, the wage had been due for a review since 2015. But this has not been possible because of the downturn in the country’s revenue, occasioned by dwindling crude oil prices. Since the country runs a mono-cultural economy, the effect has been devastating, not only for the Federal Government but also for the state governments, all of which receive monthly subvention from the centre.

    The result is the inability of at least 25 state governments to meet their present wage obligations to their workers. Pensions are in arrears in some states even as capital projects have been put on hold in many others.  This has been the experience since about the last quarter of 2014 when crude prices began to fall drastically. Against this backdrop, it is almost unthinkable to talk of wage increase. But then, the present N18,000 minimum wage cannot take anybody home. Its value has been seriously eroded by inflation caused by the exchange rate which had seen the naira on the downward trend until recently when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervened by pushing more forex into the economy.

    Even at that, prices of goods and services have skyrocketed. Workers, like other Nigerians, now have to pay more for food items, transportation, housing and other essential items. The same applies to pensioners.  In the past, they used to collapse on queues while waiting for one verification exercise or the other as a prelude to their getting their stipends. Today, the pension queues have disappeared because there is no money to pay.  Many children are either out of school or their parents are into some agreement on how to pay their school fees in installments.

    Considering the totality of the scenario under which the workers live, it is logical to ask for wage increase. But then, how many state governments can afford that now when many of them cannot even pay the present N18,000 minimum wage?

    The workers’ demand for pay rise is however not entirely misplaced. The ostentatious lifestyle of many of our political leaders does not reflect the hard times. The outlandish emoluments of legislators in the National Assembly, the severance package of governors and their deputies, to name only a few, is antithetical to the much-talked-about recession that the economy is in presently. Nigerian workers are not blind; they see all of these and hence, are not ready to accept that there is no money to meet their demand.

    This is the crux of the matter.

    Without doubt, the political leaders have to show leadership, especially in the way they spend public funds. They cannot be loosening their own belts while asking the followership to tighten theirs. But what is perhaps most important at this juncture is not necessarily wage increase but a redrawing of the income stream to bridge the wide gap between the high and low income earners. The gap can only get wider if the usual parameters are adopted in the adjustment of the present wage structure.

    More importantly, we need to get governance right. Basic infrastructure that can make life meaningful for workers and the generality of Nigerians should be provided by the governments. For example, many Nigerian workers cannot own houses under the present arrangement unless they steal or do some other things to augment their pay. There should be access to mortgage and other credit facilities that can enable the workers own valuable property and pay in installments and conveniently.

    It is true that wages are revised periodically in the advanced countries; it is not at the rate at which it is done here. If wages have to be doubled to make sense as it is often the case here, it means something is wrong with governance. So, let’s get governance right and other things will follow.

     

  • Reps want increase in workers’ minimum wage

    Reps want increase in workers’ minimum wage

    The House of Representatives said yesterday it was time to review upwards the National Minimum Wage of workers.
    The call came against the background of the Monday celebration of the International Labour Day.
    The lawmakers, who appreciated Nigerian workers for their commitment and duties, emphasised that the National Minimum Wage should reflect the country’s current economic realities.
    The resolution of the House was sequel to the passage of a motion tilted: “Need to appreciate the efforts and resilience of Nigerian workers in commemoration of the May Day Celebration,” brought under matter of urgent national importance and sponsored by a member, Ezenwa Onyewuchi.
    The House thereafter mandated its committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity to interface with relevant stakeholders on how to ameliorate the plight of the workers and to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.
    Onyewuchi, while arguing the motion, noted that workers have been adversely affected by the economic recession, which, he said, has led to “massive depreciation of workers’ purchasing power, job losses, unpaid salaries and benefits”.
    The process of reviewing the minimum wage, he said, should commence immediately, to ameliorate the economic hardship the workers were passing through.
    The lawmaker said the resolve of the average Nigerian worker was being tested with the inability of government at all levels and private sector to address issues of workers’ welfare, under employment, casualisation, delayed salaries and pay-cuts.
    Supporting the motion, Sunday Karimu, (PDP, Kogi) said workers are unhappy, particularly in the states, as they are being owed many months’ salaries.
    He described as sad the fact that after receiving the bailout fund from the Federal Government and the Paris Club refund, workers’ salaries are still not paid by some state governors.
    “Workers are not happy. Many workers are owed salaries. In some states especially, Kogi State, workers are been owed 15 months’ salary. Workers are denied their salaries. Pensioners are not paid. Something has to be done in some of these states where government has refused to pay workers,” he said.
    Another member, Johnson Agbonayiman, said some state governors instead of paying workers’ salaries put bail out funds their private accounts.
    Wale Raji (APC Lagos), in his contribution, said an upward review of the minimum wage was long overdue and advised that it be done “in a way that the average worker will have a sense of satisfaction”.
    Toby Okechukwu, while supporting the motion, said: “If government was responsive and responsible, it will waste no time in bringing the Minimum Wage Bill to the parliament.”
    The Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, hailed workers for their resilience and contribution to nation-building.
    He noted that the House had passed the Consumer Protection Bill and that it would improve the working condition of workers, if signed into law.
    Dogara refered the motion to the House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity for further legislative action.

  • ‘Labour ’ll close ranks on minimum wage review’

    ‘Labour ’ll close ranks on minimum wage review’

    The President of United UnitedLabour Centre (ULC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has assured workers that despite the differences between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the newly-launched United Labour Centre (ULC), the three federations will unite and work together to harmonise their different positions on the new national minimum wage.
    Comrade Ajaero, who defended ULC’s N96,000 national minimum wage demand for workers, declared that the workers deserved even more.
    The NLC and the TUC have jointly presented N56,000 national minimum wage demand to the Federal Government; while the ULC has demanded for N96,000.
    Comrade Ajaero said the different figures presented by the ULC and the combination of NLC and TUC, will not create any problem as the three labour centres have found themselves in a worst situation, and overcome it. He said this happened during the last fuel price increase and the palliative committee later set up to negotiate with the government.
    “I don’t think we are going to have problem with either 96 or 56 as figures, we will harmonise it. Just like before we went for palliative committee, we had different positions,” Ajaero said.
    But Ajaero said the issue of national minimum wage is an inclusive one, and therefore, warned that minimum wage cannot be negotiated without the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) who handles the private sector.
    He pointed out that all workers, both in the private and public sectors should be adequately represented, as well as the state government.
    Ajaero said: “The issue of minimum wage is an all-inclusive one; you can’t negotiate the minimum wage without Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) that handles the private sector and majority of our unions, not all are from the private sector based unions, so you can’t shave their heads in their absence.
    “What has happened in the palliative committee even after flexing of muscles, both my centre and the NLC and the TUC have to sit together in the interest of Nigerians and the workers, they held meetings together and come up with a uniform position.”
    The Technical Committee on Palliative and Minimum Wage headed by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige had submitted its report to the Federal Government and advised the government to immediately set up the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage, which will negotiate a desirable national minimum wage for the country.
    The committee also recommended a 29-member committee chairmen comprising the eight each from the Federal Government, labour, and the NECA with civil society groups; three governors representing the states and Governors’ Forum and a chairman and secretary.

  • May Day: Labour,NECA disagree on minimum wage review

    May Day: Labour,NECA disagree on minimum wage review

    As workers celebrate yet another May Day, labour and the private sector are not on the same page on the calls for a review of the minimum wage from N18,000 to N56,000, TOBA AGBOOLA reports 

    Massive depreciation of workers’ purchasing power. Job losses. Unpaid salaries. And general high cost of living. These are issues on the top burner as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the May Day. For the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), there must be an upward review of the N18,000 minimum wage. The organisation believes increasing the wage to N56,000 will cushion the effects of a struggling economy.

    The Technical Committee for Palliatives and Minimum Wage submitted its report a few days ago. The tripartite committee has representatives of the Federal Government, the state governments, labour and the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA).

    Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige said the Federal Government was working towards a new minimum wage for workers to enhance workers’ welfare and comply with the Minimum Wage Act.

    NLC President Ayuba Wabba Wabba told The Nation that in pushing for N56, 000 minimum wage, labour looked at all the issues.

    He said: ‘’Our opinion is also that workers have been pushed to the wall; so, it’s time for the minimum wage to be reviewed both in law and practice because the cycle is due and inflation is biting very hard, high cost of goods and services is affecting workers seriously.’’

    “What is the value of N18, 000, when it was signed, looking at inflation, purchasing power and ability to pay?”

    “We have been reasonable in making such demand and we hope that other social partners will look at it from the perspective of us being very committed and nationalistic in putting up those demands.”

    Wabba said while those dismissing N56, 000 minimum wage as unreasonable were entitled to their opinions, the reality was that workers could not feed themselves because of the high cost of goods and services.

    He said: “The essence of the new minimum wage is to make sure that the poor or the poorest of the worker is protected against exploitation; that the minimum is within which no employer of labour can go below. Many workers are being exploited. Many workers are being paid below N10, 000 and those are the issues we want to address.

    “Everybody has the right to his or her opinion, but the opinion of the workers is that a review of the minimum wage is legitimate both by law and practice. Five years cycle is legitimate. Many workers cannot send their children to school, many cannot pay their rent and many cannot even go to work regularly.”

    Wabba added that an upward review was imperative in view of the fight against corruption.

    He warned that workers should not be treated as slaves, as companies are still making profit.

    He said it is necessary for the Technical Committee for Palliatives and Minimum Wage to negotiate  a comprehensive minimum wage to avoid hitches.

    According to him, despite the opposition by NECA, NLC is sure that stakeholders would all support a new wage for workers who had all along been treated as slaves.

    He said: “We need to be very forthcoming in doing what is right. In other quarters, if you listen very carefully, they are talking about ability to pay. I thought what labour did was to be very calculative. Not only that, to look at the feasibility, because it doesn’t make sense that at the end of the day we will have difficulties.

    ‘’So, we have looked at the totality of the issues, including the challenges we are going through at the moment and we thought that what we have done is reasonable because what we have done is to look at what is the value of N18, 000 when it was signed looking at the inflation, looking at the purchasing power and looking at the ability to pay.

    “I think we have been reasonable in making such demand and we hope also that other social partners will look at it from the perspective of us being very nationalistic in putting up those demands. I still want you to understand that workers presently cannot feed themselves because of the high cost of goods and services.

    ‘’As I said everybody has the right to his or her opinion, but the opinion of the workers is that it is legitimate by law and practice.

    “Many workers cannot send their children to school, many cannot pay their rent, and many cannot even go to work regularly. Side by side with fighting corruption, if you don’t pay me to meet up with my bills we can’t fight corruption.”

    The national leadership of Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) also expressed its commitment to actualise the review for all workers.

    RATTAWU National President  Kabir Garba believes the clamour for the increase is as a result of the purchasing power parity of the naira against the dollar.

    According to him, the new minimum wage will serve as a benchmark for the union to ask for the enhanced Media Salary Scheme.

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) condemned the call for the removal of the national minimum wage from the exclusive list to the concurrent list by the House of Representatives.

    TUC, in a press statement by its President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama, described the bill as a calculated attempt to alter the constitution from the back door.

    “Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has strongly condemned the call for the removal of the minimum wage from the exclusive list to the concurrent list by the House of Representatives, in a bill being sponsored by one of its members.

    “Congress sees this in a bad light and an attempt to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the back door. For the umpteenth time, it needs to be emphasized that labour rather than politicians have held this country together even from colonial days,” Kaigama said.

    The congress warned that any attempt to openly or surreptitiously undermine workers or the labour movement would be resisted with all arsenals in their control.

    As for the United Labour Congress (ULC), it is N96,000 or nothing. The Northern Coordinator of ULC, John Gimbason reiterated the union’s demand for N96,000 minimum wage for workers in the country.

    Gimbason said the proposal was realistic considering the current inflation in the nation’s economy and in view of workers’ contributions to nation’s building.

    He said the new Labour Centre had opened negotiations with the Federal Government on the proposed N96, 000 minimum wage, assuring members that the proposal would soon yield fruits.

    According to him, while workers are over burdened with lots of responsibilities, they receive stipends as monthly salaries, even as some others do not receive their wages for months.

    He appealed to the 25 unions under the ULC to give their maximum cooperation to ensure that workers in both public and private sectors were treated well.

    The Lagos State Chairman of the ULC, Ephriam James, in his inaugural speech, said the council would ensure that workers in the state were liberated to earn salaries they deserve.

    He said the Union would engage the state government and other employers of labour in dialogue to ensure they arrived at agreements to improve welfare of workers.

    James assured that whatever decision taken at the national level would be replicated in the state, especially with regard to wages.

    He called for support from members and 25 affiliated unions that formed the ULC not to compromise on the issue of minimum Wage.

    Some of the affiliated members of ULC included Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Nigeria Union of Mine Workers, National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Employees (NUBIFIE), Nigeria Union of Rail Workers (NUR), National Union of Lottery Agents and Employees, (NULAE), Association of Nigeria Aviation, Professionals (ANAP) and National Association Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE).

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare, Ali Wakili, urged the Federal Government to increase minimum wage to enable workers cope with prevailing economic situation in the country.

    He said that while minimum wage had remained at N18, 000, prices of goods and services had continued to rise. According to him, the development has made life unbearable for many Nigerians, particularly workers.

    Although the lawmaker commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s effort at repositioning the economy, he said the government had not fared well in workers’ welfare.

    He, therefore, called on the government to make tackling challenges facing workers a priority. He added that the government should endeavor to create an enabling environment for the workers to feel the impact of any increment in wages.

    “We need to address underlining issues to make the increase felt by the workers. Without an enabling environment, the increment will be an exercise in futility because they will not feel it. Prices of goods in the market are very high; healthcare facilities are not available and where they are available, workers pay through their noses.

    “Once we are able to address these things, the wage increase will be meaningful to everybody. We can do the two side-by-side; while we are addressing the wage issue, there should also be an enabling environment,’’ he said.

    President, National Union of Chemical Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Methallic Products Employees (NUCFRLMPE), Goke Olatunji, said workers were finding it hard to survive, saying Buhari should make the payment of new minimum wage a priority.

    According to Olatunji, government should implement the wage without allowing it to cause inflation in order for it not to lose its relevance.

    “The present N18, 000 minimum wage is not able to buy anything from the market. We want the government to increase it but it should not lead to inflation.

    “Federal Government should ensure that the states and private sector should be able to implement the policy when an agreement is being reached,” the union president said.

    He said the workers have borne a lot of pain because of the economic recession and needed to be compensated.

    Olatunji said business activities during recession made the economy unpleasant for workers and employers.

    “Before, companies such as Unilever Plc will give workers products, provide transportation and send at least 100 people to the stadium for the celebration of May Day.

    “But now, the company will give money to hire a bus and send 25 to 50 workers to the rally; that is the reason for celebrating workers day this year in a low key,” Olatunji said.

    He said if the economy does not improve, workers welfare will be retarded and urged the government to formulate policies that will bring relief to workers and ensure that it is well-implemented.

    However, against the backdrop of the economic hardship in the country, the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has urged the  Nigerian workers to wait till 2018 before pushing for the review of the Minimum Wage.

    Speaking with The Nation, NECA President Larry Ettah said the state of the economy cannot support any increase in wages.

    He notes that though it is quite clear that there is need to increase the minimum wage, but he says the timing is wrong.

    “Given the depreciation in the value of the Naira as well as inflation currently at 18.6 per cent, a strong case can be made for raising Nigeria’s minimum wage. Not an issue of whether, but when?” he said.

    He says most state governments find it difficult to pay the N18,000 minimum wage while several private companies have closed down in the last one year.

    He said: “Given that such restructuring may not be expedient in this period of recession and rising unemployment, our recommendation is that a review of the minimum wage should be deferred until the economy has resumed strong growth and public sector finances have improved.”

    For the workers, however, there is no retreat, no surrender. Until they get their dues, they say the struggle continues.

  • ‘Why private sector can’t pay minimum wage’

    ‘Why private sector can’t pay minimum wage’

    The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has explained why its members could not pay the proposed national minimum wage.

    Its Director-General, Mr Olusegun Oshinowo, said at a briefing in Lagos that they could not pay because of the  recession which has effected  their members’ businesses.

    He said the association  would canvass this position at the National Minimum Wage Committee meeting.

    He maintained that all stakeholders should join hands with the government to ensure job security and job creation.

    He  said: “There was, indeed, an understanding that the National Minimum Wage would be due for discussion after five years and the demand for pay rise by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria(TUC) was legitimate.

    He, however, said there was a procedure for the discussion of the National Minimum Wage, which entailed the setting up of a National Minimum Wage Committee comprising representatives of the Federal Government, led by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, state governments, usually represented by three  governors, NECA and organised labour as represented by NLC and TUC.

    He emphasised that it was the responsibility of the committee to sort out the issue of review or maintain the status quo, adding that upward review was inappropriate.

    He debunked claims in some quarters that opening discussions on the  minimum wage would  translate into unsustainable wage increase.

    He added: “The beauty of collective bargaining is the opportunity to come to the table with constructive positions and submissions. The principle of reasonableness and superior arguments has always carried the day. Conclusions at the platform would not necessarily be for or against increase. It would be to examine the need for or against and justifications for whatever positions are canvassed.”

  • Workers deserve N96, 000 minimum wage — ULC

    The Northern Coordinator, United Labour Congress (ULC), John Gimbason on Saturday reiterated the union’s demand for N96,000 minimum wage for workers in the country.

    Gimbason, also former Kaduna State NLC chairman spoke while inaugurating a ULC 12-member State Executive Council on Saturday in Kaduna.

    He said the proposal was realistic and realisable considering the current inflation in the nation’s economy and in view of workers’ contributions to nation’s building.

    He said that the new Labour Centre had opened negotiations with the Federal Government on the proposed N96, 000 minimum wage, assuring members that the proposal would soon yield fruits.

    According to him, while workers are over burdened with lots of responsibilities, they receive stipends as monthly salaries, even as some others do not receive their wages for months.

    He frowned at the Kaduna State government’s plan to sell off government quarters to the highest bidder, saying that it was unacceptible and called for the reversal of the decision.

    He appealed to the 25 unions under the ULC to give their maximum cooperation to ensure that workers in both public and private sectors were treated with human face.

    Meanwhile, the State Chairman of the ULC, Ephriam James, in his inaugural speech, said the council would ensure that workers in the state were liberated to earn salaries they deserve.

    He said the Union would engage the state government and other employers of labour in dialogue to ensure they arrived at agreements to improve welfare of workers.

    James, also State chairman, National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), assured that whatever decision taken at the national level would be replicated in the state, especially with regard to wages.

    He called for support from members and 25 affiliated unions that formed the United Labour Congress to seek improved welfare of workers in the state without compromise.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NUPENG, NUBIFIE and NUEE officials were among notable associations that attended the inauguration.

  • NECA cautions on minimum wage review

    NECA cautions on minimum wage review

    Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has urged stakeholders in the socio-labour community and players in the Nigerian Industrial Relations’ System to be circumspect in their pursuit of increased minimum wage.

    Its Director-General, Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo, said  private operators may not be able to increase wages now.

    According to him, economic depression has affected employers and their businesses have nose- dived, causing some to reduce  workers or close shop.

    He said: “There was indeed an understanding that the national minimum wage would be due for discussion after five years. In effect, the 2011 agreement, ordinarily, should be open for discussion in 2016. The clamour for discussions by the NLC and TUC is therefore legitimate.

    “There is a time-tested and enshrined procedure for the discussion of the national minimum wage, which entails the setting up of a National Minimum Wage Committee comprising representatives of the Federal Government, led by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, state governments, usually represented by three state governors, employers in the private sector under the aegis of NECA and organised labour as represented by NLC and TUC”.

    Oshinowo said the principle of reasonableness and superior arguments has always carried the day during minimum wage dialogue, and that conclusions at the platform would not necessarily be for or against increase. He said it would be to examine the need for or against and justifications for whatever positions are canvassed.

    He said: “the issue of procedure should be separated from the substance or subject. Hence, the imperative to respect procedure should take precedence over substance. It is the responsibility of the committee to sort out the issue of desirability of review or sustenance of status quo in the event that timing for upward review is inappropriate.”

    On the fear in some quarters that opening discussions on the national minimum wage will automatically translate into an unsustainable wage increase, he debunked such notion, noting that “the beauty of collective bargaining is the opportunity to come to the table with constructive positions and submissions. The principle of reasonableness and superior arguments has always carried the day. Conclusions at the platform would not necessarily be for or against increase. It would be to examine the need for or against and justifications for whatever positions are canvassed”.

    In response to the ability of employers for a new wage level, against the backdrop of the economic recession and its attendant devastating effects on organised businesses, Oshinowo stated that “the private sector cannot afford a pay increase at this point in time. This is the position the employers will canvass at the National Minimum Wage Committee”.

    He added: “The priority now should be for all stakeholders to join hands with government to deliver on inclusive growth that will ensure job security and job creation”.

  • Buhari to constitute minimum wage committee

    Buhari to constitute minimum wage committee

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has said President Muhammadu Buhari will soon approve the setting up of a 29-man committee to engage organised Labour in negotiating a new national minimum wage for workers.
    He said the committee’s report will be subjected to the scrutiny of the National Assembly before it can be implemented by the government.
    Organised Labour comprising the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has submitted a N56,000 new national minimum wage request to the government.
    The minister, who addressed reporters in his office after a meeting of the technical committee, said the committee was yet to be set up, adding that the technical committee set up in June 2016 to work out modalities for the review of the palliatives would soon submit its report to the main committee.
    He said in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, it was within the ambit of the National Assembly to amend the minimum wage act, since national minimum wage issues are on the exclusive list.
    According to him, the main committee made up of eight ministers and the Secretary to Government of the Federation, as well as Labour leaders, will adopt or review the report before submitting it to President Buhari, who will approve the composition of the national minimum wage committee.
    Ngige said for the first time in the history of minimum wage negotiation, the Nigeria Governors Forum would be represented by three of their colleagues, while the private sector employers would also be represented.

  • Buhari to constitute minimum wage committee

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has said President Muhammadu Buhari will soon approve the setting up of a 29-man committee to engage organised Labour in negotiating a new national minimum wage for workers.

    He said the committee’s report will be subjected to the scrutiny of the National Assembly before it can be implemented by the government.

    Organised Labour comprising the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has submitted a N56,000 new national minimum wage request to the government.

    The minister, who addressed reporters in his office after a meeting of the technical committee, said the committee was yet to be set up, adding that the technical committee set up in June 2016 to work out modalities for the review of the palliatives would soon submit its report to the main committee.

    He said in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, it was within the ambit of the National Assembly to amend the minimum wage act, since national minimum wage issues are on the exclusive list.

    According to him, the main committee made up of eight ministers and the Secretary to Government of the Federation, as well as Labour leaders, will adopt or review the report before submitting it to President Buhari, who will approve the composition of the national minimum wage committee.

    Ngige said for the first time in the history of minimum wage negotiation, the Nigeria Governors Forum would be represented by three of their colleagues, while the private sector employers would also be represented.

  • NLC to Fed Govt: expedite action on minimum wage

    NLC to Fed Govt: expedite action on minimum wage

    The President, Nigeria Labour Congres (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, has said Labour may be forced to take action on the issue of mnimum wage. He said this administration was dragging its feet in constituting a tripartite committee as is the practice to negotiate a new minimum wage.

    Wabba said with  the harsh economic realities and their impact on workers Labour could not wait indefinitely for the government to respond at its own time.

    “We have since submitted a request for an upward review of the National Minimum Wage which was signed into law in 2011 by President Goodluck Jonathan, by the administration. Despite that the minimum wage was due for renegotiation after five years, the current administration is dragging its feet in constituting a tripartite committee as is the practice to negotiate a new minimum wage.

    “Though we have been told by the administration that the panel will be constituted, we enjoin the government to urgently sort out whatever is the constraint it is facing and act on the matter before we are forced to take actions that may be unpleasant,” Wabba said.

    He said in the last 12 months, the inflation rate had gone over the roof, and the masses, the salaried and the teeming millions of the unemployed, were facing very difficult times.

    He said amid these difficulties, the union had contended with a number of state governments  that had misplaced priorities and regularly refused to pay workers  their salaries as and when due.

    “Similarly pension of retired public servants have gone for several months, and in some cases, years unpaid.  We have over the last 15 months fought these state governments to pay up these outstanding wages and pension liabilities they owe workers.  We will continue to do this till all salaries and pensions across the country are fully paid up,” he said.

    On women empowerment and gender equality, Wabba called for the full implementation of gender equity policy by organisations.

    He said almost 15 years after the adoption of the policy, it was appropriate to talk about consolidating its gains.

    He said the NLC gender equity policy had enabled the Congress and virtually all its affiliates to have increased women representation at the level of leadership in their structures.

    He said: “To ensure that these changes are sustainable, the NLC constitution and that of affiliate unions were amended to ensure the inclusion of women representations at leadership levels.’’

    “At the NLC level, not only is the Chairperson of the National Women Commission now automatically a vice president of the NLC, in the 2007 delegates Conference of the Congress, two ex-officio positions were created at the level of National Administrative Council (NAC) of NLC, to be occupied by women.”