In a bid to stop the industrial action planned by the organised labour, the Federal Government is currently holding a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other stakeholders over the planned nationwide 7-day warning strike expected to commence midnight Wednesday, Sept. 26.
The meeting holding in Abuja follows a warning by organised labour to commence a warning strike starting from midnight over alleged delays by the Federal Government in implementing the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
Earlier today, the NLC President, Ayubba Wabba in a press conference in Abuja said the union members as well as the civil society allies have agreed on the warning strike due to failure by the federal government to reconvene meeting of the tripartite National Minimum wage committee to enable it conclude its work.
Wabba said: “ In compliance with the mandate all worker in the public and private sector at all level across the country have been directed to comply with the industrial unions, state council, all workers organizations and our civil societies allies have been directed to step up mobilization of their members.
“All public and private institution, officers, banks, schools, public and private business premises including filling station are to remain shot till further notice. All those who means well for this country are to see the success of this action.
“Furthermore, this action is to remain a force until further directive are given.
According to him, the National Minimum wage Committee was inaugurated in November 2017 but commenced work in March 2018 with timelines to deliver on its mandate of arriving at a new national minimum wage by August/ September 2018.
Recall that the minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Nigige in February at the celebration of the NLC 40 anniversary assured Nigeria workers that they would have a new minimum wage in September.
“We do believe that the reasons why government find it difficult to pay the National Minimum Wage are lack of political will, high level of corruption, excessive cost of governance, indulgence in obscene lifestyle, white elephant projects.
He said: “we at this point therefore find it necessary to caution against any attempt by Government at any level to blackmail workers or their unions because we have been patient, considerate and patriotic,” he said.
