Rescind your decision on indefinite strike, FG tells Organized Labour

The Federal Government has pleaded with Organized Labour to reconsider its decision to go on an indefinite strike starting Monday, June 3, 2024, to protest the government’s refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage of N60,000.

Persecondnews recalls that Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), declared a nationwide strike at a joint press conference with the National Labour Congress (NLC) leadership yesterday in Abuja.

Labour leaders explained that the decision comes after the Federal Government failed to meet the deadline for concluding negotiations on a new minimum wage by the end of May, as previously requested.

They expressed disappointment over the Federal Government’s failure to finalise and pass into law a new National Minimum Wage bill and reverse the electricity tariff hike to N65/kWh.

Reacting to the matter, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Idris Mohammed, stated in an interview that organised labour should make people’s interests their priority.

Mohammed pleaded with the unions to shelve their planned strike, explaining that the need to find common ground was the reason for setting up the tripartite committee in the first place.

He urged the unions to consolidate on their gains so far and expressed hope that negotiations could still result in a mutually beneficial agreement.

Mohammed said: “The government is pleading with Labour to reconsider its position. The FG has already made an offer of N60,000, and whatever the government does is in the interest of Nigerians.

“We won’t like to do something that will throw the country into another problem.

“Even as we do that, we are pleading with Labour. They are partners in this project called ‘Nigeria’, and we expect them to join hands with the FG as it strives to look for solutions that will take Nigeria to the desired prosperity.

“Our message is that of an appeal and the need for Labour to see reason with the government. That was even the basis for setting up the tripartite committee that was made up of organised labour, the sub-nationals, and the FG.

“This was because the government just didn’t want to make unilateral decisions. In any case, the position on the wage regime is not a one-sided thing.

“We expect that they will see reason with the government. That is why we are calling on them to show understanding by not embarking on the strike, because we don’t want that at this point. A strike is not the solution to our problems.

“We are continuing our negotiation with them. The minister and other stakeholders are still talking to them, and we believe that we will find a common ground.”