The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced that several unions are participating in an indefinite nationwide strike. This strike follows the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.
NLC President Joe Ajaero declared that the strike would commence at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Both Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to finalize and pass a new National Minimum Wage Act. They also demanded a reversal of the electricity tariff increase to N65/kWh.
Despite the ultimatum given by the unions, negotiations with the government broke down. The government had increased its initial offer from N57,000 to N60,000, which was rejected by the unions. In contrast, the unions reduced their demand from N497,000 to N494,000.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has instructed its members to join the strike. ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke emphasized the need for lecturers nationwide to participate. Aviation unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees and others, have also announced the withdrawal of services across all Nigerian airports starting from 0000hrs on June 3, 2024.
In response to the strike call, several unions have shut their workplaces. These include the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, National Union of Electricity Employees, National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria.
The NLC and TUC are pressing for the government to address their demands for a living wage and the reversal of the electricity tariff hike.
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