Labour leaders convened at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation today for a private discussion with government representatives, according to a reliable source briefed on the matter.
“We are currently in session with the government representative at the SGF office,” the source disclosed. However, the identities of the government officials attending to the labour leaders have not been disclosed as of the time of this report.
Some unions have already closed their workplaces in adherence to the directive issued by two major labour unions, initiating an indefinite nationwide strike.
Last Friday, organised labour announced the commencement of a nationwide indefinite strike, citing the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000. President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, confirmed that the strike would start at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
In a joint statement delivered by Ajaero and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Festus Osifo, both expressed deep concerns and disappointment over the government’s failure to finalize and enact a new National Minimum Wage Act into law.
Both unions had set a negotiation ultimatum of May 31, 2024. However, discussions between organised labour and the Federal Government collapsed on Tuesday following the presentation of offers from both sides. The government revised its initial offer from N57,000 to N60,000, which was rejected by the labour representatives.
During negotiations, labour adjusted their demand from the previous N497,000 proposal by subtracting N3,000, resulting in a revised proposal of N494,000.
Further details will follow as the situation develops.
