Marvellous Nyang
May 31, 2024
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have jointly declared an indefinite nationwide strike, set to commence on Monday, June 3rd, 2024.
This action comes as a response to the deadlock in negotiations regarding a new minimum wage and the recent increase in electricity tariffs.
TUC President Festus Osifo, in a press conference alongside NLC leaders in Abuja, emphasised the urgency of the situation.
“In light of this persistent inaction,” Osifo stated, “we, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), hereby issue a notice of commencement of an indefinite nationwide strike to the Federal Government.”
The labour organisations have voiced dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in minimum wage negotiations, the failure to reverse electricity tariff hikes, and the ongoing categorisation of consumers into bands.
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They underscored that these unresolved issues have left Nigerian workers with no choice but to initiate industrial action.
Despite withdrawing from negotiations and rejecting the latest Federal Government offer of N60,000, insisting instead on a minimum wage of N497,000, the unions’ demands remain unmet.
The removal of fuel subsidies and the naira’s depreciation have further exacerbated the economic strain, heightening the urgency for a new minimum wage.
While labour leaders have proposed various measures to address the economic challenges, including alternative transportation options, the lack of consensus from the government committee has necessitated the nationwide strike.
As of now, the Federal Government has yet to provide an official response to the announcement made by the TUC and NLC.
