NLC, TUC Mobilise for Nationwide Protest for Minimum WAGE

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has given directive to their over 60 affiliates throughout the country to begin mobilisation for a nationwide protest against the senate’s decision to remove the national minimum wage from the exclusive list of the constitution.

The union in a statement in Abuja signed by TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and secretary general, Comrade Musa Lawal said it is urging its members and affiliates to be “battle-ready against the obnoxious move” by the senate.

According to the statement, the protest is slated for Tuesday, September 17.

The labour unions said the move by the senate to remove the national minimum wage from the exclusive list is targeted at eroding the earning power of vulnerable workers.

The statement reads in part: “We are surprised that in one breathe; the senate proposed decentralization of minimum wage against the people of Nigeria eroding the earning power of vulnerable workers while they voted for life pension for the leadership of the Senate.

“It must be noted that in the first place, the very essence of the concept is to ensure that employees particularly the unorganized and unskilled, are not exploited by their employers to the extent that their pay become so low that it creates a poor of the working masses. Minimum wage is not a living wage; as such it guarantees mere bare existence for workers in the formal sector-public and private. It also influences wages in the informal sector, thus minimum wage, as approved to salary increase, affects all.

“To underscore its importance, the National Assembly has legislated on the minimum wage from N125 in 1981 to N5, 500 in 2001. And in 2011, the current minimum wage of N18, 000 was signed. Alas, the governors suddenly realized the minimum wage matter should be concurrent rather than exclusive. Who are they serving? - Daily Times