NLC Proposes N90, 000 Minimum Wage, Decries Alleged Police Siege

AJAERO

FACTIONAL President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, yesterday urged the incoming administration to put in place a new minimum wage of not less than N90, 000 across the country.

In his speech to mark the 2015 May Day celebration held in Lagos yesterday, Ajaero said the nation cannot address the challenge of income inequality and poverty without addressing the question of salaries and wages for working people “because there is intricate linkage between income, consumption and production.”

He said the incoming administration must be put on notice that the five year tenure of the national minimum wage ends this year, adding that the NLC under his leadership is putting before the new administration a proposal of N90, 000 naira for negotiation with the Federal Government and Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

According to him, ‘this modest proposal’ is based on the unstable micro economic environment, naira devaluation and the high rate of inflation.

He also used the opportunity to criticize security agencies for preventing the workers access to the National Stadium for the annual event.

He said the workers have fundamental right to peaceful assembly and information, adding that the Inspector General of Police “should know that no one can intimidate us not to exercise our fundamental rights.”

He said the NLC under his leadership is committed to its primary goal of defending the rights and advancing the interest of workers through instrument of collective bargaining and social dialogue.

He said: “We are conscious that we cannot do it alone. Therefore, we will continue to work very strongly with our civil society allies in our effort to defend the rights and privileges of the working masses of this country.

“Beyond our primary goal, we are conscious of the great expectations of Nigerians for the NLC to provide leadership in our struggle for improved living conditions and better life for our people, which informed the choice of the theme of this year’s May Day: The Labour Movement and the Quest for Good Governance.”