The Nigeria Labour Congress is set to convene before the resumption of negotiations between the Federal Government and organized labour concerning the new minimum wage.
Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, emphasized this during the opening session of the NLC 2023 Harmattan School in Abuja, under the theme ‘Building Workers’ Skills for Policy Engagement’ on Monday
At the core of the NLC’s agenda is the pursuit of a living wage—a salary that provides workers with the means to meet their basic needs, including food, shelter, education, and healthcare. Joe Ajaero, in his address at the NLC 2023 Harmattan School, stressed the importance of ensuring that the new minimum wage is not just a nominal increase but a substantial adjustment that considers the actual cost of living. This objective acknowledges the diverse challenges faced by workers and underscores the NLC’s commitment to advocating for a fair and equitable compensation structure.
The objective is to establish a living wage aligned with the current cost of living.
Negotiations between the NLC and the federal government play a pivotal role in determining the fate of the new minimum wage. The upcoming meeting is a strategic step in preparing for these negotiations, where both parties will engage in discussions aimed at finding common ground. The challenge lies in bridging the gap between the expectations of the workers, represented by the NLC, and the economic constraints faced by the government. A well-prepared and informed NLC can potentially influence the negotiations towards a resolution that benefits the workforce without compromising broader economic stability.
This decision follows the NLC’s firm stance against the recent attacks on workers and their leaders in Imo State, seen as a serious threat to the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of association and collective bargaining, as outlined in the 1999 Constitution and the ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining.
Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, emphasized this during the opening session of the NLC 2023 Harmattan School in Abuja, under the theme ‘Building Workers’ Skills for Policy Engagement’ on Monday.
Ajaero, represented by the Deputy President, Benjamin Anthony, said, “In the face of adversity and brutality encountered while advocating for the rights of workers to earn their legitimate income and benefits, our resolve remains unwavering.
“We are motivated to continue our efforts towards achieving decent work and improving working conditions in the formal and informal sectors of the economy.
“The recent assault on workers and their leaders in Imo State poses a grave threat to freedom of association and collective bargaining as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining, and should unequivocally be condemned by all people of goodwill.
“The only thing that can assuage our pains is for the Imo State Government to address all labour issues and return the so-called ‘ghost workers’ to their jobs, pay all outstanding salaries and pensions and call back all victimised workers to their jobs.
“It has become very necessary for governments at all levels to recognise that life and living conditions are exceedingly difficult, especially for working people in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy.
“The removal of subsidies on petroleum products has further exacerbated the challenges faced by working people, 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.”
The NLC’s upcoming meeting holds immense promise for Nigerian workers, as it signals a concerted effort to address the long-standing issue of an inadequate minimum wage. The pursuit of a living wage reflects the NLC’s dedication to advocating for the well-being of its members and acknowledging the changing economic landscape. As negotiations with the Federal Government loom on the horizon, the outcomes of the NLC’s strategic meeting will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of discussions and influence the future of workers’ compensation in Nigeria. The quest for a fair and living wage is not merely an economic demand but a fundamental right that, once realized, can contribute to a more just and equitable society.
