NLC and TUC began an industrial action on Monday, following federal government’s failure to meet the unions’ minimum wage demand
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have reached a deal with the Federal Government to suspend the ongoing indefinite strike 24 hours after crippling the Nigerian economy.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, while unveiling the resolutions of the emergency meeting with organized labour.
While the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris and Minister of State Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, signed the resolution on behalf of the government, NLC President, Joe Ajaero and TUC President, Festus Osifo signed for organized labour.
In the four-point resolution, the FG agreed to pay a minimum wage that is higher than N60,000.
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All parties also resolved that the tripartite Committee will meet every day for the next week to arrive at an agreeable National Minimum Wage
Importantly, labour said it would meet immediately to consider the federal government’s commitment.
“Labour in deference to the high esteem of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s commitment in iv above undertakes to convene a meeting of its organs immediately to consider this commitment; and No worker would be victimized as a result of the industrial action,” part of the resolution read.
However, after the agreement was reached, a senior executive of organized labour who preferred anonymity told DAILY POST that the NLC and TUC will suspend the indefinite strike and return to negotiation with the government.
“For certain, organized labour will suspend its indefinite strike on Tuesday to continue negotiations with the tripartite committee.
“This is in line with the commitment extracted from the government after the meeting with the SGF”, he said.
FG’s agreement with organized labour:
* President Bola Tinubu commits to a minimum wage above N60,000 – SGF
* No worker will face victimization for participating in the industrial action – SGF
* Productive meeting yields positive results – SGF
* Tripartite committee to meet daily for the next week to finalize details -SGF
