NLC threatens FG over minimum wage increase

chika ebuzor

March 8, 2017 11:17 PM

The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba revealed that the Buhari administration is yet to call the union for negotiations.

NLC President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to carry out ‘unpleasant’ actions if the Federal Government does not yield to their demands.

The labour body also said they are yet to get feedback from the government regarding their request for an increase of the minimum wage.

According to Tribune Online, NLC also said its members are running out of patience with the Federal Government.

Wabba said this while speaking at the 4th National Gender Conference organised by the NLC.

He also said "As you must have heard we have also submitted a request for an upward review of the National Minimum Wage which was signed into law in 2011 by President Jonathan, by the present administration, Despite the fact that the minimum wage was due for renegotiation after 5 years, the current administration is dragging its feet in constituting a tripartite committee as is the practice to negotiate a new minimum wage.

“Against the background of the harsh economic times and the impact on the working people, we cannot wait indefinitely for government to respond at its own time. Though we have been told by the administration that the panel will be constituted, we enjoined the government to urgently sort out whatever the constraint it is it’s facing and act on the matter before we are forced to take actions that may be unpleasant.

“It is no longer news that our Country is in a severe recession, and prices of virtually all consumable and non consumable items have sky rocked. In the last twelve or more months the inflationary trend in the economy has gone over the roof, and the mass of our people, the salaried and the teeming millions of the unemployed, are facing very difficult times.

“Amidst these difficulties we have contended with a number of state governments that have misplaced priorities and have regularly refused to pay workers in the State pay roll, their salaries as at when due.

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“Similarly pension, of retried public servants have gone for several months, and in some cases, years un-paid. 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.”

The NLC recently called on the Federal Government to amputate individuals found guilty of corruption.

chika ebuzor