Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
As the indefinite strike action declared by the Organised Labour which commenced today (Monday, June 3), paralysed activities nationwide, the Federal Government, has invited the leadership of labour for an emergency meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, June 4.
The Federal Government through the National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission, extended an invitation to the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.
The Labour leaders have not yet indicated whether or not they would honour the invitation.
Recall that Labour had Friday, announced that it would commence a nationwide indefinite strike due to the refusal of the Federal Government to meets its N497,000 demand as new minimum wage.
According to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, the strike will begin at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
In a joint statement delivered by Ajaero and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Festus Osifo, they expressed their serious concerns and disappointment over the Federal Government’s failure to finalise and pass a new National Minimum Wage Act into law.
They also demanded that the government reverses the increase in electricity tariff to N65/kWh.
Both unions had given an ultimatum of May 31, 2024, for negotiations on the new minimum wage.
However, talks between organised labour and the Federal Government broke down Tuesday after both parties failed to reach a compromise.
While the Federal Government increased its initial offer of N57,000 to N60,000, Labour adjusted downwards from N500,000 to N497,000.
Monday’s strike recorded full compliance nationwide as banks, airports and public schools remained shut down.
