…labour thanks FG delegation for prompt action
There are indications that the Federal Government and Organised Labour have reached a final agreement over the implementation of the lingering N30,000 new national minimum wage structure for workers in the country.
This comes as the Trade Union Congress (TUC) early Friday morning, thanked the federal government delegation led by Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige and Acting Head of Civil Service, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, for their efforts.
The statement obtained by Igbere TV signed by the TUC Chairman, Quadri Olaleye, and Secretary, Musa-Lawal Ozigi, partially indicates that the organized labour have subsequently put on hold the proposed industrial action.
According to the statement, both the FG and labour agreed to a template on the consequential adjustments for the N30,000 minimum wage Thursday night with different percentages for each grade level from grade level 07-09.
According to the new template, workers on grade level 07 was agreed at 23.2 per cent; grade level 08 at 20 per cent; grade level 09 at 19 per cent; from grade level 10 – 14 at 16 per cent and from grade level 15 – 17 at 14 per cent.
Full Statement,
MINIMUM WAGE: IT WAS A WIN WIN SITUATION
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has commended the Federal Government and organised labour for their patience while the National Minimum Wage negotiations lasted. The leadership of the Labour Centre added that although it was a rough road but they are happy that an agreement has finally been signed.
In a press statement, President of the Congress, Comrade Quadri Olaleye, FCIA and Secretary General, Comrade (Barr.) Musa-Lawal Ozigi, mni, said it was not an easy journey but it is now over, adding that government’s team should be appreciated for their wisdom and sincerity.
“We commend the Head of Service of the federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan and her team for their sincerity. Though they argued that government cannot afford to meet our earlier demand of N30, 000 minimum wage across board because of the economic situation in the country, but we made them understand that some people cannot be more Nigerian than others. If we are tightening our belts, government should also do so.”
By the agreement reached, the core civil servants:- GL 7 (23.2%), GL 8 -(20%), GL 9 – (19%), GL 10-14 – (16%) and GL 15-17 (14%).
Others, GL -7 (23.2%) like above; 8-14 shall earn (16%) and 15-17 (10.5).
As an organization and a major stakeholder in the Nigerian project we believe that the parties have done well. We shifted grounds and that is why we were able to resolve things without major injuries. It is a win win situation.
The TUC boss said he is particularly happy with the agreement because it has addressed some salary discrepancies and overlapping that the workers have agitated so much about. “This is a unique agreement and we promise to build on that by God’s grace,” he added.
