The Federal Government has reacted to the proposed strike by organised labour, set to take off on Monday, saying it would compound the economic woes of citizens.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka
Onyejoecha, who reacted on behalf of the government, cautioned that any new
minimum wage must not lead to widespread job losses, particularly in the
Organised Private Sector, which employs the bulk of the nation’s workforce.
She warned that the strike is not in the best interests of
the country and its people, especially when negotiations are ongoing.
Recall that owing to failure of parties in the tripartite
committee to reach a compromise on a new national minimum wage, the Nigerian
Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, decided to embark on
strike on June 3.
“Going on strike in the middle of ongoing negotiations would
not only compound the economic woes but also exacerbate the suffering of
millions of Nigerians who are already struggling to eke out a living from their
daily endeavors,” Onyejeocha said through her media aide, Emameh Gabriel.
She noted that the “government has consistently demonstrated
commitment and goodwill throughout the negotiations with organised labour”.
According to the Labour Minister, the government’s proposals
were carefully crafted, taking into account the country’s economic realities
and incorporating innovative solutions.
She listed these proposals to include a comprehensive
package featuring a wage increase to N60,000 for federal workers, the
introduction of CNG-fueled buses, and enhanced financial access for Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Additionally, according to her, the government has pledged
investments in strategic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, education,
healthcare and many others that are already in the pipeline.
“This sector is crucial to the country’s economic growth and
stability. The government’s stance is rooted in a deep understanding of the
negotiations, demonstrating its dedication to finding a balance between the
needs of workers and the economic realities of the country. The goal is to
establish a minimum wage that is not only realistic but also sustainable,
avoiding any potentially detrimental consequences for the economy.
“By adopting this approach, the government aims to safeguard
the interests of both workers and employers, ensuring that any agreement
reached is mutually beneficial and does not jeopardise the country’s economic
progress. This balanced stance is crucial for maintaining harmony in the
workforce and driving national growth”, she explained.
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This is a useless excuse
ReplyDeleteFG, should have pity private sector when they were removing subsidy.
What about private sectors that already paying over 60 k?
What about states that are paying more than 60k Edo and Lagos etc. what happened to the private sector there? Lagos that is paying 90k is also the state have the highest number of private sector businesses.
FG if is anything that has to do with poor masses excuses will be coming up. Yet you claim, you have the interest of the masses at heart. What a useless country.
Some of you don't even know the meaning of minimum wage ,it simply means the smallest amount any worker can receive ,the ₦610,000 proposed by the labour's union is ridiculous ,it means that drivers ,barbers,maids ,sales girls will have to be receiving this amount ,I think the ₦60,000 proposed by the FG is fair enough .
DeleteWhat maid will not be transformed with such amount? Who's a slave in his or her country? The lucky Japas takes more than that home away
DeleteBe it driver or washman, let every Nigerian worker get the amount which can afford to live a better life of which they can buy what to eat and pay for their bills.
ReplyDeleteAll these useless excuses comes into picture because none of them wants Nigerian citezen to live anove poverty line simply because if we are above the line, no politician can be guaranteed a vote nor can be ruling us like slaves. Let them cut down their living allowances and other selfish grants.
As soon as they slash their allowances, the economy will henceforth be growing to an unimaginable height, believe me.
#Unitedwestand
#Massesnotperishbles