How consequential adjustment on NMW’ll hang fragile economy from tomorrow if…
…However, today’s final meeting may make, mar economy
Strong signals are coming virtually every angle that the latest ultimatum handed down by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Sunday giving a four-day ultimatum to the Federal Government may end up not being met.
Labour had over the weeks, made it clear to the government to either accept its demand for the consequential adjustment of salaries, based on the new minimum wage, or risk a nation-wide strike.
Considering lack of believable political will on the part of the government, NLC in a letter to the Federal Government by its General-Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, kept the state councils on notice down tools from tomorrow, Wednesday, should the Federal Government errs further.
However, the growing tension may be averted depending on the final outcome of a crucial meeting slated for tomorrow between Labour leaders, Employment Minister, Senator Chris Ngige and the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC).
In the voice of the Minister, “NLC and TUC leadership know the rule and what the ILO statutes say on such situation. So, we will continue our effort on Tuesday.”
Business Hilights Abuja Bureau chief recalls that the first phase of negotiations collapsed due to percentage differences between the two parties, the Federal Government’s negotiating team and the JNPNC, which is representing labour unions.
However, the removal of former Head of Service, Mrs Oyo-Itah and her replacement further muddled up the expected speed of drive to safety.
The crux of the matter is as follows; Whereas Labour is demanding 29 per cent salary increase for officers on salary level 07 to 14 and 24 per cent adjustment for officers on salary grade level 15 to 17, the Federal Government’s offer of 11 per cent for officers on grade level 07 to 14 and 6.5 per cent for workers of grade level 15 to 17 is roundly rejected as a workable consequential adjustment on the new minimum wage (NMW) of N30,000.00.
