NLC Set Date To Begin Nationwide Indefinite Strike As Minimum Wage Negotiations End In Deadlock

The Organised Labour may begin a nationwide strike from Monday, June 3, over a new minimum wage conclusion with federal government

This is as the Minimum Wage Negotiations ended in deadlocked again as Labour walked out of the meeting on Friday.

Talks to reach a compromise on a new minimum wage for workers in the public service have been deadlocked as organised Labour, again walked out of the meeting.

Sources attending the meeting said the government failed to propose an amount higher than the N60,000 it earlier offered when the parties met on Tuesday this week.

With the latest development, there are strong indications that the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress may begin to mobilize for a strike as they have scheduled a press conference by 4pm at the national headquarters.

According to the sources, organised labour is already mobilizing for a strike from Monday, June 3.

“The outcome of tomorrow’s (today) will determine our next line of action. If the meeting comes out fruitful, better for everyone.

“But should government’s team continue with its carefree attitude and disdain for workers’ welfare, nothing will stop us from going on strike from Monday. We are already mobilizing for the strike.

Everyone knows that the one-month ultimatum we gave to the government to conclude negotiations on the new national minimum wage ends tomorrow (today). We have been patient amid the hardship and mass suffering inflicted on us by the government’s anti-poor policies.

“Besides that, the issue of the minimum wage is statutory. The old Minimum Wage Act ceased to exist since April 18. We had more than six months, at least, to work on a new minimum wage.

“But the government has not been serious with issues affecting workers. Well, Nigerians can bear us witness that we have been patient with this government. If the government knows what is good for it, let its negotiators come up with something reasonable to meet workers’ expectations, otherwise, strike will be inevitable from Monday.”