FG, Labour fail to reach agreement

chika ebuzor

May 17, 2016 4:52 AM

The government team argued that labour’s call for an increase in the minimum wage is ill timed.

Talks between the Federal Government and labour ended in a deadlock, as both parties could not reach an agreement.

The meeting started at about 6:30pm on Monday, May 16, 2016 and ended without a concrete resolution at about 12 am on Tuesday, May 17, 2016.

This Day reports that a source said the government argued that labour’s call for an increase in the minimum wage is ill timed.

The government team also said that certain measures have been put in place to cushion the effect of the fuel price increase.

The source said labour refused the government’s offer and insisted that the minimum wage must be increased.

Speaking to newsmen, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba said “We discussed those issues, including the demands we made. Then government presented its position, but as you are aware, our organisations are very democratic so we need to go back and consult before our meeting tomorrow (today).”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state, who is a former NLC President was on the government’s team.

Oshiomhole said “You’ve organised strikes and those strikes have not helped in increasing wages. So it is time to make tough choices. The president is socially concerned but the fundamentals have changed.”

The negotiations are expected to continue today, Tuesday, May 17, 2016, by 3 pm.

The Federal Government announced the increase in pump price of fuel to N145 on on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

chika ebuzor