Labour

NLC Awaits Tinubu’s Decision, Insists on ₦250,000 Minimum Wage
Cost of Living, Economy, Labour, Nigeria

NLC Awaits Tinubu’s Decision, Insists on ₦250,000 Minimum Wage

Organised Labour in Nigeria has remained obstinate in its demand for a new minimum wage of ₦250,000, dismissing lower offers as inadequate. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has categorically rejected proposals of ₦62,000 and ₦100,000, labeling them as “starvation wages.” In an interview on Monday during the ongoing International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the union is awaiting President Bola Tinubu's response to their proposal. Ajaero emphasized that the proposed figures by the government and employers do not reflect labour's stance. Chris Onyeka, Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, reiterated the union's position during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Morning Brief’ program. He firmly stated that the NLC would not acc...
Reactions as Minimum Wage Negotiations Hit a Snag
Economy, Employment, Labour, News, Nigeria

Reactions as Minimum Wage Negotiations Hit a Snag

Negotiations between the Nigerian government and organized labor have hit a roadblock, sparking concerns over fair wages and economic stability. The recent walkout by labor representatives before negotiations even began has drawn criticism and calls for reconsideration from various stakeholders. Speaking on behalf of the Organized Private Sector of Nigeria, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA, expressed disappointment at the early walkout, emphasizing the importance of all parties presenting their opening positions before negotiations commence. He urged labor leaders to return to the negotiation table in the interest of national development. Dr. Ikenna Nwosu, a facilitator with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, criticized the government's stance, citing economic i...
Labour Rejects Government’s Minimum Wage Offer
Economy, Employment, Labour, News, Nigeria

Labour Rejects Government’s Minimum Wage Offer

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have walked out of the minimum wage negotiation with the Federal Government. The negotiation, fraught with tension, hit a standstill as the government's offer of N48,000 fell drastically short of the N615,000 demanded by the unions. This rejection marks the second deadlock in as many weeks, signaling the deep-rooted disagreement between labour and the government over what constitutes a fair national minimum wage. The impasse emerged during a session convened on Wednesday, where hopes for a breakthrough were dashed as both parties failed to bridge the considerable gap between their positions. The offer presented by the government, far below the unions' expectations, drew immediate condemnation from labour leaders who descr...
Kenyan Doctors End Two-Month Strike
Economy, Employment, Kenya, Labour

Kenyan Doctors End Two-Month Strike

Nairobi, Kenya – After a nearly two-month nationwide strike, Kenyan public hospital doctors have agreed to return to work. The decision brings much-needed relief to millions of Kenyans who rely on public healthcare services that have been severely disrupted by the strike. The strike was sparked by a long-standing dispute regarding inadequate pay and poor working conditions for doctors. Davji Atellah, the union secretary-general, confirmed on May 8th that doctors will resume work, placing their trust in the government to finally address the core issues of the strike. The agreement to end the strike came after a labor court issued a 48-hour deadline for the doctors and the government to reach a resolution, or else the court would intervene. See Also: Nationwide Strike: Some State C...
Tinubu Promises New Minimum Wage and Improved Working Conditions
Employment, Labour, News, Nigeria

Tinubu Promises New Minimum Wage and Improved Working Conditions

President Tinubu has promised to implement a new minimum wage and improved working conditions for Nigerian workers. This message was passed on during the workers' day celebration where he was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. He expressed appreciation for the hard work and contributions of Nigerian workers to the nation's prosperity and stability. Assuring workers of a new minimum wage and improved working conditions, President Tinubu stated, "The Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage has been diligently working, and I assure you that your days of worrying are over. Indeed, this government is open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage but a living wage." Highlighting the significance of industrial harmony, he praised workers for their indispensable rol...
NLC Gives Govt. Up to May 31st to Implement N615,000 Minimum Wage
Employment, Labour, News, Nigeria

NLC Gives Govt. Up to May 31st to Implement N615,000 Minimum Wage

Organized labor has issued a deadline to the Federal Government, demanding the conclusion of minimum wage negotiations by May 31, threatening nationwide industrial action if the deadline is not met. At the May Day celebration held at the Eagle Square in Abuja, labor reiterated its call for a minimum wage of N615,000 and presented an 18-point demand to the government. The demand included the completion of minimum wage negotiations by May 31 and a threat to shut down the country if the government fails to comply. President Bola Tinubu pledged to improve workers' welfare by working on a new minimum and living wage. However, labor leaders expressed skepticism about the government's commitment to addressing their demands. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress...
NLC Suspends Nationwide Protests Against Removal of Fuel Subsidy
Cost of Living, Labour, News, Nigeria, Petroleum

NLC Suspends Nationwide Protests Against Removal of Fuel Subsidy

The Organised Labour has suspended its proposed nationwide strike and protests against the removal of fuel subsidy, not up to 24 hours after it had embarked on the mass action. The decision was announced by the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, during an interview with Arise News on Thursday morning. The Labour leaders, who had previously met with President Bola Tinubu, stated that they extracted commitments from the government to address some of the issues raised during the meeting, and these commitments were to be implemented immediately. Based on this development, the TUC and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) decided to suspend the strike action. The initial plan for nationwide protests and the strike action came after the Nigeria Labour Congress had met ...
NLC: Government Response Will Determine Duration of Protest
Cost of Living, Economy, Human Rights, Labour, News, Nigeria

NLC: Government Response Will Determine Duration of Protest

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has made it clear that the duration of the ongoing protest will be determined by the response of the government to their demands, and not by the use of force. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this disclosure during an interview with Channels TV at Unity Fountain in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday. The NLC launched its protest on Wednesday morning in various states of the federation, including the FCT, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo, among others, against what they deem as "anti-people" policies. Ajaero emphasized that the NLC will decide whether the protest continues for today, tomorrow, or longer, based on the response received from the government. He stressed that it is not in the interest of the...
BREAKING NEWS: NLC Confirms Nationwide Mass Protest to Proceed Tomorrow
Cost of Living, Human Rights, Labour, News, Nigeria, Press Statement

BREAKING NEWS: NLC Confirms Nationwide Mass Protest to Proceed Tomorrow

In a recent statement, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that the nationwide mass protest, scheduled for tomorrow, August 2, 2023, will proceed as planned. This comes after a meeting with the federal government where the NLC sought to address the demands of the Nigerian workers and people. NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, reaffirmed that the outcome of the meeting with the government had not altered the course set by the NLC as the custodians of the interests and desires of the Nigerian workers and people. Ajaero urged all Nigerians to disregard any efforts by "fifth columnists" who are working against the wishes of the people. Instead, he called on everyone to gather in their respective states and locations across the nation to give vent to this collective resolve. ...
Subsidy Removal: Organized Labour to Proceed with Planned Protest
Cost of Living, Labour, News, Nigeria, Petroleum

Subsidy Removal: Organized Labour to Proceed with Planned Protest

The organized labour has reiterated its decision to go ahead with a planned protest against the removal of petroleum subsidy, expressing doubts about President Bola Tinubu's ability to control inflation and gasoline prices due to the unification of the exchange rate. The announcement came after another round of discussions between the Steering Committee on palliatives and the presidential villa in Abuja. Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), told reporters that despite fears of the peaceful protest being hijacked by hoodlums, the workers are determined to proceed with their planned protest, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. Ajaero dismissed concerns about security, stating that in the history of workers' protests, such occurrences have never happened, ...