In a bid to halt the ongoing strike action initiated by organized labour, the Federal Government has extended an invitation to the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for an emergency meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
The invitation, facilitated through the National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission, signals a renewed effort by the government to engage with labour leaders and explore avenues for resolving the impasse.
However, it remains uncertain whether the leaders of the labour unions will honor the invitation amidst the ongoing strike.
The nationwide indefinite strike was announced by organized labour on Friday, citing the Federal Government’s reluctance to accede to their demands, including an increase in the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.
The strike, slated to commence at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024, has seen some unions shutting down workplaces in compliance with the directive.
In a joint statement issued by NLC President Joe Ajaero and his TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo, the unions expressed grave concerns over the government’s failure to finalize and pass a new National Minimum Wage Act into law.
They also demanded the reversal of the increase in electricity tariff to N65/kWh.
The ultimatum for negotiations on the new minimum wage, initially set for May 31, 2024, lapsed without a resolution. Talks between organized labour and the Federal Government hit a deadlock last Tuesday after both parties presented their respective offers.
While the government increased its initial offer from N57,000 to N60,000, labour rejected the proposal. In turn, labour revised their demand from N497,000 to N494,000 during the negotiations.
The outcome of the emergency meeting scheduled for Tuesday holds significant implications for the trajectory of the ongoing strike and the prospects for resolving the contentious issues between labour and the government.
As stakeholders await further developments, the urgency for constructive dialogue and mutual concessions becomes increasingly paramount.