The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has indicated its plans to negotiate the new minimum wage from its present 30,000 to either N100,000 or N200,000.
It would be recalled that the organised labour announced the postponement of its nationwide strike for 30 days.
The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had last week announced the commencement of a nationwide strike over what it called the failure of the government to yield to its demands arising from the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero on Tuesday said the strike was suspended to allow the Federal Government fulfil its part of the agreement that had been reached with organized labour.
Ajaero clarified that the N35,000 wage award, which is part of the government’s offer, is not a new minimum wage and suggested that the new minimum wage could potentially be as high as N200,000.
While speaking on Channels TV, Ajaero said:
“So, it is not a minimum wage but it is a wage added to the minimum wage. So, should we in March, April, or before that time negotiate the new wage to be N100,000 or N200,000, it would be inscribed as minimum wage law which should be the law in existence.
“Certain things would come into play when we discuss it – inflation, cost of living. Every other thing would come into it.
“We would not go to ask for N65,000. We would go for a realistic amount because N65,000 is about $70 which is not up to minimum wage.”
Ajaero said for a new minimum wage to take effect, the National Assembly will play a crucial role.
“The minimum wage is a product of law. Until it is legislated in the National Assembly, it is not a minimum wage.”
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