The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 month-to-month wage award for federal staff, insisting that the federal government can afford to extend the salary of the lowest-paid employee to N300,000.
The proposal adopted a gathering between the Federal Government and the management of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.
In a press release signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary, Nuhu Toro, the TUC stated staff wanted a significant salary improve quite than momentary monetary help that may not attain everybody.
The union additionally referred to as for the implementation of the settlement with the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, citing the financial difficulties going through staff and different Nigerians.
“Our position is unequivocal: workers are not asking for favours; they are demanding social and economic justice that protects their dignity and livelihoods,” the assertion stated.
The TUC argued that the earlier wage award launched in October 2023 was not totally carried out earlier than a brand new minimum wage was agreed in 2024.
According to the union, some staff have been paid for just one or two months, whereas others obtained nothing.
It additionally criticised the irregular cost of the sooner N40,000 wage award, saying some staff obtained funds masking as much as 4 months however not on a constant month-to-month foundation.
The union additional claimed that greater than 80 per cent of state governments and the casual sector didn’t implement any type of wage award.
It questioned why the federal government was proposing one other momentary cost when earlier commitments remained unfulfilled.
“How can workers be expected to trust fresh promises when previous obligations remain outstanding?” the TUC requested.
The union maintained {that a} salary improve would supply extra dependable help than a brief wage award, significantly as staff proceed to battle with rising dwelling prices.
It stated negotiations over a brand new nationwide minimum wage mustn’t forestall the federal government from granting an pressing pay rise.
The TUC additionally burdened that the financial disaster was affecting greater than federal staff. State and native authorities staff, pensioners, private-sector staff and other people working within the casual financial system have been additionally going through greater prices for meals, transport, healthcare and different primary wants.
It urged governments in any respect ranges to take sensible steps to cut back the price of important items and providers, pay salaries and pensions on time, defend present jobs and deal with exploitative labour practices.
The union additionally referred to as for renewed efforts to strengthen the productive sector and create first rate employment alternatives.
