The Organised Labour has reiterated its stance on the minimum wage issue, stating that it rejected the proposed N48,000 minimum wage because the Federal Government failed to provide substantiated data to justify the amount.
Mr. Etim Okon, Vice President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), affirmed this position, emphasizing that labour will participate in the upcoming negotiation meeting of the Tripartite Committee on the Minimum Wage.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the TUC had previously walked out of the negotiation meeting after the Federal Government proposed N48,000 as the new minimum wage.
According to Okon, the absence of transparent and well-founded data supporting the government’s offer undermines the negotiation process’s credibility.
He highlighted that the proposed amount falls short of meeting the basic needs and aspirations of workers, considering factors such as transportation, housing, food, utilities, health, and education.
Okon emphasized the importance of the government presenting a clear justification for its offer, including the relevant indices and variables used in arriving at the proposed amount.
In line with their previous submission, Labour maintains its demand for a minimum wage of N615,000. While acknowledging the government’s apology and the scheduled resumption of negotiations, Okon reiterated the need for transparency and clarity in the negotiation process.
