Nigerian labor unions declared on Tuesday that they will formally put an end to their indefinite walkout over minimum salaries in order to reach an agreement with the country's federal government.
The strike was started on Monday by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), in response to a widespread crisis in the cost of living that has resulted in inflation and depreciation of the naira. The socioeconomic effects of the strike have been felt across the nation of West Africa, despite the fact that it only began to take hold on Monday. Due to the collective action of union workers, the national grid was fully shut down and flights were either suspended or disrupted.
Tuesday saw the release of a communique by the National Labor Council (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The announcement indicated that although the government's proposal is a positive start, it falls short of what is needed. It is unclear how far the federal government will go, even though it finally acknowledged that its initial offer of 60,000 Naira ($40,03) needed to be changed and promised to make a better offer within a week.
The NEC-in-session also conveyed dissatisfaction over the inaction on the electrical problems. These concerns are essential to reducing the financial burden on Nigerian workers and the general public, according to the communiqué. Along with the pay increase, the unfair Band classification and increased electricity tariffs need to be addressed.
The minimum salary should be raised from 30,000 Naira ($20,02) per month, according to the unions' demands. As though The unions have unanimously declared that the federal government's corresponding offer of N60,000 “mocks the excruciating hardship brought on workers by government's insensitive and oppressive economic policies,” which is why the demand has shifted from the N494,000 ($329,60) that was first levied. Additionally, the unions are opposing the set of economic changes that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration has implemented.
After discussing the matter, the NEC in session decided to:
It is more important than ever to establish the ideal atmosphere for negotiations to proceed without interruption. Therefore, the nationwide indefinite strike action is lifted for a week starting today to give the Federal Government time to commit to a reasonable and caring National Minimum Wage, take decisive action to bring the electricity tariff back to N66/kwh, and do away with the unfair banding of electricity users.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, stated the following in a press briefing in light of the discussions:
Our shared desire for the best for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its 200 million residents binds us together. In our endeavor to determine a new minimum wage for Nigerians, it is our duty to find a reasonable and prudent balance.
The talks are scheduled to last the entire week. Realizing the dreams of all Nigerians for improved living and working conditions would depend on each and every one of those days.
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