Labour threatens to embark on strike over minimum wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said on Monday it would embark on a prolonged nationwide strike very soon to force the implementation of the new N30, 000 minimum wage by the Federal Government.

The NLC also implored members across the nation to prepare for the commencement of the industrial action.

It said the ultimatum issued to the federal government on the implementation of the new minimum wage had expired, therefore, the need to embark on the strike.

The union disclosed this at the 2019 World Decent Work Day celebration in Lagos.

Speaking at the rally to mark the event, the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, said the union had given the government a deadline of October 31 to address the issue and would take action on the matter any moment from now.

Wabba, who was represented at the event by the union’s Deputy General Secretary, Ismail Bello, advised the government to agree to consequential adjustment of the salary and begin payment immediately.

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He said the government’s weak position on the matter had affected its relationship with labour, adding that it would not hesitate to commence strike in a few days.

“Accordingly, we would use this opportunity to appeal to the government to do the needful by urgently commencing the implementation to what we agreed on. We also would like to use this same opportunity to urge workers to fully mobilise for a prolonged national strike and enforce their right.

“This strike action becomes the inevitable last option for us and we crave the understanding and support of all Nigerians and businesses.

“We would want to assure workers that their labour, patience and diligence will not be in vain and that this leadership remains committed to giving all that it takes to ensure that they get just and fair wages due to them in a decent work environment appropriate to their well-being,” the NLC president said.

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