NLC Accuses FG Of Dodging Negotiations On New Minimum Wage

Ayuba Wabba, National President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has accused the Federal Government of avoiding organised labour over negotiations for a new national minimum wage for workers in the country.

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Wabba made the accusation on Tuesday while speaking at the ongoing National Joint Public Service Negotiating Council Meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, chaired by Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, the Permanent Secretary in the Welfare Office at the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

He said despite the fact that indices indicate increase in economic fundamentals, the Federal Government had not deemed it necessary to open dialogue on the welfare of its workforce with labour.

The NLC chief argued that the economic situation had improved from the despondent outlook it was when the NLC canvassed for new national minimum wage, and that the government should be patriotic to look into the plight of workers.

He urged the government to discard delay tactics and invite labour for negotiations and save workers from heightening anxiety.

Wabba said, "It is a matter of concern that up till now, the negotiations for a new minimum wage is yet to start.

"As at the time we tabled our demands, the exchange rate of Naira to the dollar was about N150 but today it is around N360.

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"It is our desire that negotiations should commence in earnest as the economic scenario has been very harsh for the Nigerian workers. We urge the government to fast-track the process."

But Walson-Jack, in her remarks, urged labour to bear with government over the economic challenges it had been facing over time.

She noted that the civil servants were entitled to safe working environment and appreciable remuneration as a right and not a privilege, adding that the Federal Government has come up with a new approach towards improving the welfare of the civil servants.

She stated that under the new model, the government views the welfare of its workforce as a priority by ensuring regular consultation with labour leaders to reduce friction at the work place.

"It is the belief of the Federal Government that Nigerian workers have a right to a safe and conducive working environment as well as enhanced welfare package, including regular payment of salaries. It is a right, and not a privilege.

"However, labour leaders must show understanding in view of the economic challenges before us; our new approach is to see government and labour as part of the team working for the delivery of services to Nigerians. It is no longer we against them.

"We are all part of the team playing together in the same team and we shall win together and we should encourage civil servants to change their attitude to work and justify their salaries," Walson-Jack said.

In his address to the delegates, Seriake Dickson, Governor of Bayelsa State, noted that the nation was going through challenging economic times which had made it difficult for various tiers of government to meet its obligations to their workforce.

Dickson said that the collaboration with the organised labour in the state in dealing with the over-bloated wage bill resulted in the reduction of the state's wage bill from N6 billion to N4 billion monthly.