As the deadline set by Organised Labour for concluding discussions on the new National Minimum Wage approaches, the Federal Government has convened a meeting of the 37-member Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage today.
This move comes in response to the Labour’s firm stance to declare a nationwide strike if negotiations are not finalized by May 31, 2024.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) had issued the ultimatum during the May Day celebration on May 1, 2024, cautioning that failure to meet the deadline would result in industrial action across the country.
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Determined to avert potential nationwide industrial action, the Federal Government, through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), has summoned a meeting of the Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage scheduled to take place at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja.
The agenda for the meeting includes presentations by the Federal Government, states, and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) on their respective minimum wage proposals.
Labour had earlier proposed a minimum wage demand of N615,000. Additionally, the NSIWC will present reports on income surveys of the informal sector and reviews of remuneration surveys.
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Discussions will also focus on the final reports from sub-committees on various aspects of the new national minimum wage, including implementation, monitoring, enforcement, and future reviews.
Grassroots Parrot gathered that Labour leaders reiterated their commitment to the May 31 deadline, emphasizing the urgency of addressing workers’ needs amidst prevailing economic challenges.
They expressed solidarity with President Bola Tinubu’s pledge to implement a living wage and urged all stakeholders to work towards achieving this goal.
Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku from the NLC confirmed the meeting’s agenda and highlighted the expectation of counter offers from the government and the private sector.
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He emphasized the importance of concluding negotiations by the end of May to prevent further delays in implementing the new minimum wage.
The NLC and TUC reiterated the significance of the minimum wage in addressing income disparities, promoting social justice, and improving the standard of living for workers.
They underscored the need for equitable distribution of resources and emphasized the role of the minimum wage in protecting workers’ rights and fostering social cohesion.