Labour Unions Resist Govs' Attempt to Hijack Wage Negotiations

Labour Rejects Govs' Attempt to Undermine Minimum Wage Negotiations

Organized Labour rejects Southern Governors' Forum's proposal to decentralize minimum wage negotiations, citing potential harm to workers' welfare. Labour unions stand firm against allowing states to determine their own minimum wages, emphasizing commitment to protecting workers' rights and interests.

Organized Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has vehemently rejected the Southern Governors' Forum's proposal to decentralize minimum wage negotiations to state governments. The NLC has criticized the proposal, labeling it as “unfriendly and anti-worker," and argued that allowing states to determine their own minimum wages would have a detrimental impact on workers' welfare.

The Southern Governors' Forum had suggested that states be granted the autonomy to independently negotiate the minimum wage for workers, citing the need for wages to reflect the cost of living in each state. This proposal was made during a meeting on Monday, June 24, at the Ogun State Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, which was attended by several state governors.

In a communiqué released after the meeting, the forum's newly-appointed Chairman, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Vice-Chairman, Prof. Charles Soludo of Anambra State, disclosed that the proposal was aimed at ensuring that wages are commensurate with the cost of living in each state. However, Organized Labour has dismissed this proposal, emphasizing its commitment to protecting workers' rights and interests.

The meeting was attended by a total of 16 governors, including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, and Hope Uzodinma of Imo, among others. Despite the forum's proposal, Organized Labour remains resolute in its opposition to decentralizing minimum wage negotiations, citing the potential negative consequences for workers' welfare.

“The forum discussed the minimum wage demanded by Labour and unanimously agreed that the minimum wage should be reflective of the cost of living, and that each state should be allowed to negotiate its minimum wage,” the communique stated.