Federal Government and NLC representatives at a meeting to resolve outstanding workers’ demands.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for workers, insisting on an immediate salary increase and the implementation of outstanding agreements with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
In a statement signed by its President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, the congress said temporary wage awards would not provide lasting relief from the economic hardship facing workers.
The TUC said it had communicated its position to the Federal Government in a letter dated October 8, following a meeting of its National Administrative Council in Abuja.
Osifo argued that the government did not need to negotiate a new national minimum wage before increasing salaries, noting that no law sets a maximum wage in Nigeria.
He said the government could raise the pay of the lowest-paid worker above the current ₦70,000 minimum wage and make corresponding adjustments to other salary levels.
The congress also cited what it described as the incomplete implementation of the ₦40,000 monthly wage award agreed with organised labour in October 2023.
According to the TUC, some workers are still owed one or two months of the award, while others have not received any payments. It also alleged that some beneficiaries experienced irregular payments and delays of one or two months between instalments.
The congress further claimed that more than 80 per cent of state governments and the informal sector had not implemented any form of wage award. It said negotiations over a new minimum wage should not delay an immediate salary increase.
Beyond pay, the TUC called on governments at all levels to take measurable steps to reduce the cost of food, transport, healthcare and other essential services. It also demanded timely payment of salaries and pensions, protection of existing jobs and an end to exploitative labour practices.
The congress also called for measures to revive the productive sector and create decent employment.
On the dispute involving JOHESU, the TUC accused the Federal Government of failing to implement an agreement reached with the health workers’ unions to resolve their industrial action.
It said the agreement, reached after conciliation meetings involving the Ministries of Labour and Employment and Health, included the resolution of outstanding issues relating to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
According to the congress, JOHESU suspended its industrial action in good faith after the agreement was signed, but the proposed salary adjustment remained unimplemented seven months later.
The TUC described the delay as a breach of good faith that undermined collective bargaining and weakened workers’ confidence in agreements reached with the government.
It demanded immediate implementation of the CONHESS adjustment, a clear timetable for resolving outstanding issues and the provision of the necessary budgetary allocations.
The congress said it would support the affected unions and pursue all lawful means to compel the government to honour its commitments.
By News Scope Africa
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