02/12/2024
Workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Cross River, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Kaduna, and Zamfara states have commenced strike action on Monday following a breakdown in negotiations over the implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage.
Despite ongoing meetings between state authorities and labour representatives, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) state chapters have confirmed their readiness to proceed with industrial action due to the failure of state governments to meet their demands.
The FCT chapter of the NLC had earlier directed workers in the six Area Councils to begin an indefinite strike from December 1. The union emphasized that the strike would continue until clear directives are issued or tangible progress is made in negotiations.
Background on the Wage Dispute
The N70,000 minimum wage was announced earlier this year as a step toward addressing the rising cost of living and inflation. However, implementation has faced significant delays in several states due to budget constraints and other administrative challenges.
While some states have started paying the new wage, others have either failed to commence negotiations or offered terms that labour unions deem unsatisfactory.
To avert a prolonged strike, implementation panels in the affected states have intensified discussions with labour leaders. However, reports indicate that these talks have so far failed to yield the desired results, pushing workers to down tools as a last resort.
Labour leaders across the six states have expressed frustration over the delays. The FCT Council of the NLC, in a statement, declared, “This strike is a necessary step to ensure that the welfare of our members is prioritized. We will not relent until the new minimum wage is fully implemented across all affected councils.”
The strike is expected to disrupt public services, including health, education, and administrative operations, in the affected states and the FCT. The action may also escalate tensions between labour unions and state governments if an agreement is not reached promptly.