N100,000 Minimum Wage on the Table as Labour Negotiates with FG

THE Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage convenes for intensive daily meetings over five days, Organized Labour is considering a compromised minimum wage of N100,000. This development comes after union leaders faced criticism for their initial proposal of N494,000, which was deemed excessive and impractical.

Sources within Organized Labour revealed on Tuesday, June 4, that union leaders are willing to adjust their demand to N100,000, a significant shift from their initial stance. This move aims to break the impasse in negotiations and address concerns about the feasibility of the proposed wage.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had earlier expressed concerns about the financial sustainability of the proposed minimum wage, stating that it would lead to an annual expenditure of N9.5 trillion. This statement sparked controversy and highlighted the need for a more realistic approach to the negotiations.

Despite efforts by the National Assembly leadership to intervene, Labour embarked on an indefinite strike on Monday, June 3, bringing economic activities to a halt nationwide. The strike resulted in the closure of banks, airports, public schools, and courts, prompting the Federal Government to hold an emergency meeting to resolve the deadlock.

In a bid to find a solution, the Federal Government has been engaging in emergency talks with Labour leaders. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the fate of the minimum wage and the future of industrial relations in the country.

In a breakthrough development, the unions announced a five-day suspension of the industrial action on Tuesday, following President Bola Tinubu's commitment to implementing a national minimum wage above N60,000. This move aims to create a conducive environment for negotiations to progress.

The tripartite committee has pledged to convene daily meetings until a new minimum wage is agreed upon, demonstrating a renewed sense of urgency and commitment to finding a solution. President Tinubu has also instructed the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to provide a detailed report on the cost implications of a new minimum wage within a two-day timeframe, underscoring his dedication to the negotiations.

During a meeting with the government negotiation team, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the need for a swift resolution. A senior official from the NLC confirmed that the unions will maintain their stance on a N100,000 minimum wage, indicating a firm resolve to secure a fair deal for workers.

The temporary suspension of the strike and the intensified negotiations signal a glimmer of hope for a prompt resolution to the minimum wage impasse. As the tripartite committee continues its daily meetings, all eyes are on the outcome, which will have far-reaching implications for the nation's workforce and economy.

He stated, “Today's (Tuesday) meeting was essentially to set an agenda and plan how to complete the assignment within the five days. The government representatives did not mention a raise in the N60,000. They just set the agenda on what to do and how to go about the negotiation. There was no mention of any increment. But labour plans to close the negotiation on a N100,000 minimum wage.”

Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, Deputy Head of the NLC Political Commission, has confirmed that the tripartite meeting held on Tuesday was aimed at setting an agenda for the daily meetings scheduled to take place until a new minimum wage is agreed upon. This meeting marked an important step forward in the negotiations, as the parties involved worked together to outline the key issues to be addressed in the upcoming discussions.

“We met today (Tuesday) to draw up an agenda for the one-week daily meetings. We agreed to meet daily for a week, and on our own, we decided to relax the strike, not suspend it. It's more like putting everyone on red alert. It means we are not going to give any notice, and by this time next week, we may go on strike. Relaxing the strike means staying at your duty post with your hands on the trigger. Tomorrow (today), we expect the government to submit another proposal.”

Organized Labour has vowed to reject any marginal increase to the N60,000 offer proposed by the tripartite committee, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to securing a fair minimum wage.

Trade Union Congress President Festus Osifo, when asked if labour would accept a small increment, categorically stated that they will not settle for anything less than their demands. This stance underscores the determination of Organized Labour to achieve a decent minimum wage for workers.

Osifo's declaration sends a clear message that labour will not be swayed by token gestures, and that any offer must meet their minimum requirements. This firm stance is likely to influence the trajectory of the ongoing negotiations and the eventual outcome.

Congress President Festus Osifo said, “No, we also told them that we won't accept minor additions of N1, N2, or N3,000. We received assurances that they would make a substantial offer.”

By rejecting marginal increases, Organized Labour is holding firm to its principles and prioritizing the welfare of workers. This resolve will likely shape the future of industrial relations and the minimum wage debate in the country.

According to Trade Union Congress President Festus Osifo, Labour is open to negotiations and not fixated on the initial proposal of N494,000 as the new minimum wage. However, he stressed that the tripartite committee must present a reasonable and economically viable offer that acknowledges the current inflationary pressures and their impact on workers' purchasing power.