The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 month-to-month wage award for federal employees, 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 employees wanted a significant salary improve relatively than short-term monetary help which 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 dealing with employees 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 absolutely applied earlier than a brand new minimum wage was agreed in 2024.
According to the union, some employees have been paid for just one or two months, whereas others obtained nothing.
It additionally criticised the irregular fee of the sooner N40,000 wage award, saying some employees obtained funds overlaying 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 short-term fee 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, notably as employees proceed to wrestle with rising dwelling prices.
It stated negotiations over a brand new nationwide minimum wage mustn’t stop the federal government from granting an pressing pay rise.
The TUC additionally careworn that the financial disaster was affecting greater than federal workers. State and native authorities employees, pensioners, private-sector workers and other people working within the casual economic system have been additionally dealing with increased prices for meals, transport, healthcare and different primary wants.
It urged governments in any respect ranges to take sensible steps to scale back the price of important items and companies, pay salaries and pensions on time, defend current jobs and sort out exploitative labour practices.
The union additionally referred to as for renewed efforts to strengthen the productive sector and create respectable employment alternatives.
