In response to the continued delay in implementing the new ₦70,000 minimum wage by some state governors, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed workers in such states to commence an indefinite strike.
This latest directive was announced via a communiqué by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero after the union’s National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Port Harcourt Rivers State.
The statement conveyed the resolution reached during the meeting directing workers in affected states to commence the strike on December 1. 2024.
Ajaero described the refusal of some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act as a betrayal of the state’s workforce and a disregard for the law.
The Labour leader conveyed the union’s frustration saying, “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
“This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship.
“It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.”
The NLC vowed to resist what it perceived as assault on the dignity and rights of workers.
Ajaero revealed plans by the union to establish a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee to ensure that the minimum wage is fully implemented in all states.
The statement added, “The NEC therefore resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will among others commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.
Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.
Demanding justice for the country’s workers, the NLC noted, “To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November, 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December, 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have.”
Investors King reported that the Organized Labour had recently handed defaulting governors an ultimatum to begin the implementation of the new minimum wage.
In an interview with journalists, a labour leader who spoke on the condition of anonymity revealed that what was holding the union from taking action was the scheduled meeting between the Federal Government and the state governors.
However, the source explained that the union has agreed to wait until the end of October, adding that they will take appropriate action after the ultimatum.
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