The Organised Labour has stated that it turned down the proposed N48,000 minimum wage because the Federal Government failed to disclose the methodology used in determining the amount.
Mr. Etim Okon, the Vice President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), reiterated this position while confirming Labour’s attendance at the negotiation meeting of the Tripartite Committee on the Minimum Wage scheduled for Tuesday.
Previously, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the TUC had walked out of the negotiation session following the Federal Government’s proposal of N48,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the country.
Okon emphasized that the absence of concrete data to support the government’s offer exacerbates the situation, asserting that the lack of transparency and good faith undermines the credibility of the negotiation process.
He stated, “The proposed amount falls significantly short of meeting our needs and aspirations.”
Despite the government’s apology, Okon confirmed Labour’s intention to uphold its demand for a minimum wage of N615,000. He clarified that Labour’s previous submission was not rejected but that they declined the N48,000 proposal due to the lack of transparency in its calculation.
Okon emphasized the importance of considering various factors such as transportation, housing, food, utilities, health, and education – all essential needs of the people. He urged the government to provide clear details on the offered wage, including the underlying indices and variables used in its determination.