Nigeria Labour Congress to Base New Minimum Wage Negotiations on Cost of Living
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced that the commencement of negotiations for the new national minimum wage in 2024 will be anchored on the prevailing cost of living in the country.
Joe Ajaero, the President of NLC, revealed this during the ongoing 19th edition of the NLC 2023 Harmattan School in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ajaero, represented by Benjamin Anthony, the NLC Vice-President, emphasized the need for government at all levels to recognize the considerable difficulties in life and living conditions, particularly with the removal of subsidies on petroleum products exacerbating challenges for working people.
Addressing the challenges faced by workers, Ajaero stated, “The removal of subsidies on petroleum products has further worsened the challenges faced by working people; that is unleashing severe pain and contributing to galloping inflation and increasing inequality and poverty.”
Looking ahead to the commencement of wage negotiations in 2024, Ajaero called for understanding among all stakeholders to ensure that the new minimum wage aligns with the current cost of living.
He asserted that a well-motivated and well-remunerated workforce positively impacts productivity and national development.
The NLC president emphasized the goal of establishing a living wage that not only covers the cost of living but also allows workers to save.
Ajaero also condemned the recent assault on workers and their leaders in Imo, citing it as a threat to freedom of association and collective bargaining, which are protected under the Nigerian constitution and international labor conventions.
Ajaero called for the Imo government to address labor issues, reinstate allegedly victimized workers, pay outstanding salaries and pensions, and resolve the matter of “ghost workers.”
The NLC president stressed the importance of collective condemnation of the assault on workers’ rights.
Source: Peoples Gazette
