The Organised Labour has intensified mobilization for a nationwide strike over the Federal Government failure to commence full implementation of the new minimum wage, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has directed its members and state councils across the country to mobilize and be ready for the strike after Wednesday deadline.
The congress, in a circular sent to all it’s state councils, the NLC directed the state chairmen and secretaries to coordinate preparations with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Union (JNPSNU) in their respective state for industrial action if the time expires without an agreement reached with the government.
The circular, signed by the General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja read: “You will recall that a joint Communique… said industrial harmony could not be guaranteed in the country should an agreement not be reached with the Federal Government on the Consequential Adjustment of Salaries as a result of the New National Minimum Wage of N30,000.
”You are hereby directed to coordinate preparations with TUC and JPSNC in your State for necessary industrial action should the time expire without an agreement as contained in the communique.”
However, in a swift reaction last night, the Minister of Labour, Sen. Chris Ngige reminded the Labour of the provisions of the extant Labour law and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention, as they affected strike and negotiation.