By Ade Ayodele
Labour Unions Declare Nationwide Strike Over Minimum Wage Dispute and Electricity Tariff Increase
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have jointly announced a nationwide strike set to commence on Monday, June 3rd, 2024. The strike comes in response to the failure of the tripartite committee to reach an agreement on a new minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
President of the TUC, Festus Osifo, made the announcement during a press conference held in Abuja, emphasizing the unions’ dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the negotiations. Despite previous requests for swift action, the unions feel compelled to take industrial action due to the lack of progress.
The labour leaders underscored their demands, including the conclusion of minimum wage negotiations, the reversal of electricity tariff hikes, and an end to consumer categorization. They stressed the necessity of addressing these issues to avoid the indefinite nationwide strike.
The unions had previously withdrawn from negotiations and rejected multiple government offers, citing the need for a minimum wage of N497,000. The rising cost of living, exacerbated by fuel subsidy removal and currency fluctuations, has further fueled their demands.
In response to the subsidy removal, labour leaders proposed various measures to mitigate its impact, including a new minimum wage and alternative transportation options. Despite the establishment of a committee to negotiate the minimum wage, consensus has yet to be reached, prompting the current strike action.
The Federal Government has not yet responded to the unions’ latest move, leaving the situation unresolved as the strike deadline approaches