Negotiation
By Mujidat Oyewole
Ilorin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWGN) on Wednesday in Ilorin called for further negotiation on the minimum wage and a quick agreement on a living wage.
The group said in a statement that this would be in accordance with the promise made by President Bola Tinubu to increase the minimum wage of Nigerian workers in 2024.
It added that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the negotiating team of the Federal Government needed to expedite action on the negotiation.
The group, in the statement signed by its National Coordinator, Alhaji lbrahim Abdullahi, and the National Secretary, Dr Nasir Balogun, frowned at the recent strike action called by labour.
“This affected essential service delivery, such as the switching-off of the national grid, while it also hampered air-travels and led to workers’ withdrawal of services in hospital facilities.
“However, Section 31 of the Trade Union Act forbids essential workers from participating in strike actions, because of the critical nature of their duties,” it said.
While stating that there was the need for a new minimum wage for workers and enhanced pension for Nigeria’s senior citizens, the group however insisted that a nationwide strike was unnecessary.
”Once it involves essential workers, it will be counter-productive.
“This type of action will create more hardship for the citizens of the country,” it stated.
The group urged labour unions to forget about strike actions and pave way for reasonable conclusion of negotiation in the interest of all Nigerians.
“However, we urge the Federal Government to give a reasonable offer as new minimum wage when negotiation resumes,” it added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MOB/BEKI/OLAL
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(Edited by Abdulfatai Beki and Olawale Alabi)
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