The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has made preparations to shut down the country due to the inaction of government over the new minimum wage being demanded for by the workers.
The NLC had earlier issued a 14 day ultimatum to the government to address the issues or face a full blown workers strike.
The labour union had embarked on a one day warning strike over the new minimum wage two weeks ago after which it had issued its ultimatum to the government.
The Presidency had been reported as saying the ultimatum was unfair at consultation between stakeholders regarding the new minimum wage was still ongoing.
The Labour leaders had however rejected government conditions, saying the committee had completed its work on the matter and have come to an agreeable figure. They alleged that the announcement and implementation of the new minimum wage was being delayed by the Federal Government representative and Minister for Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige who said he would have to make further consultations before getting back to the committee.
Consequently, upon the expiration of the 14 day ultimatum given to the Nigerian Federal Government, the NLC has resolved to commence on a warning indefinite strike from the midnight of Wednesday September 26, 2018.
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The current minimum wage stands at N18, 000 and was last increased by the Obasanjo led Federal Government in 2001.
Labour unions and civil organisations across the country have been agitating for a new minimum wage to reflect the economic reality of the country since 2014.
Excerpts from the notice of strike by the NLC reads;
“…After due deliberations on the report of labour representatives on the Tripartite Committee on a new national minimum wage endorsed the 14 day ultimatum which had been served on government. NEC also authorized the leadership to direct whatever necessary steps if at the expiration of the ultimatum, the committee had not been reconvened to conclude its work. The Ultimatum ends tomorrow, 26th of September 2018 and till this moment there has been no notice of reconvening the committee.
Representatives of Organised Labour after due consultations and meetings have therefore agreed that all unions and our civil society allies should embark on a warning strike as from midnight off Wednesday , 26th September, 2018….”