TUC rejects FG’s N70,000 wage award, calls for N300,000 minimal wage

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 month-to-month wage award for federal staff, insisting that the federal government can afford to extend the wage of the lowest-paid employee to N300,000.

The proposal adopted a gathering between the Federal Government and the management of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.

In a press release signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary, Nuhu Toro, the TUC stated staff wanted a significant wage improve quite than momentary monetary assist which may not attain everybody.

The union additionally referred to as for the implementation of the settlement with the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, citing the financial difficulties dealing with staff and different Nigerians.

“Our position is unequivocal: workers are not asking for favours; they are demanding social and economic justice that protects their dignity and livelihoods,” the assertion stated.

The TUC argued that the earlier wage award launched in October 2023 was not absolutely carried out earlier than a brand new minimal wage was agreed in 2024.

According to the union, some staff had been paid for just one or two months, whereas others obtained nothing.

It additionally criticised the irregular fee of the sooner N40,000 wage award, saying some staff obtained funds protecting as much as 4 months however not on a constant month-to-month foundation.

The union additional claimed that greater than 80 per cent of state governments and the casual sector didn’t implement any type of wage award.

It questioned why the federal government was proposing one other momentary fee when earlier commitments remained unfulfilled.

“How can workers be expected to trust fresh promises when previous obligations remain outstanding?” the TUC requested.

The union maintained {that a} wage improve would supply extra dependable assist than a brief wage award, notably as staff proceed to wrestle with rising residing prices.

It stated negotiations over a brand new nationwide minimal wage shouldn’t forestall the federal government from granting an pressing pay rise.

The TUC additionally careworn that the financial disaster was affecting greater than federal staff. State and native authorities staff, pensioners, private-sector staff and folks working within the casual financial system had been additionally dealing with greater prices for meals, transport, healthcare and different primary wants.

It urged governments in any respect ranges to take sensible steps to scale back the price of important items and providers, pay salaries and pensions on time, defend current jobs and sort out exploitative labour practices.

The union additionally referred to as for renewed efforts to strengthen the productive sector and create respectable employment alternatives.