The Nigeria Labour Congress has said that only a minimum wage that accurately reflects the country’s present economic reality would be acceptable ahead of negotiations to establish a new minimum wage for workers early next year.
At the 19th NLC 2023 Harmattan School in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr. Joe Ajaero, the President of the NLC, made this statement.
Harmattan School is one of the NLC national schools, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, and it provides skill development to teach and empower members of its affiliated unions.
Ajaero stated that all levels of government needed to acknowledge that living conditions were becoming more challenging. He was represented by Mr. Benjamin Anthony, Vice President of the NLC.
The Labour President said:
“The removal of subsidies on petroleum products has further worsened the challenges faced by working people. That is unleashing severe pain and contributing to galloping inflation and increasing inequality and poverty.
“We must reckon that a well-motivated and well-remunerated workforce has a positive impact on productivity and national development. As we anticipate the commencement of negotiations for the National Minimum Wage in 2024, we seek the understanding of all stakeholders to ensure that we use this opportunity to arrive at a minimum wage commensurate with the prevailing cost of living,”
A living salary that produces allowance savings and covers living expenses is the ultimate objective of labour, the president of the NLC added.
The world of work is changing quickly, according to Dr. Vanessa Phala, the ILO Country Director for Nigeria, among other factors including technology advancements and climate change.
“Against this context, there is no better time than now for a serious and strategic reflection on the role that organised labour executes in policy engagement and dialogue,” Phala added.
cc: Punch Ng
