The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced that its members in states yet to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act are set to embark on an indefinite strike starting December 1, 2024.
This directive emerged following a meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) over the weekend, which focused on addressing the non-compliance of certain state governments with the recently enacted wage regulations.
In a communique released after the NEC meeting, the NLC expressed profound disappointment at what it termed the “persistent delay and outright refusal” by some state administrations to adopt the new minimum wage framework.
The statement highlighted the discontent and sense of betrayal felt by workers across the nation, noting that the inaction of these state leaders goes against both legal mandates and moral expectations.
The communique conveyed the frustration of the labor body, stating, “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship.”
The NLC criticized the state governors and officials for what it described as a “blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.”
As a response to this ongoing challenge, the NLC announced the formation of a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee. This committee will be responsible for conducting nationwide assessments, mobilizing workers, and spearheading a sensitization campaign aimed at educating both workers and the general public about the necessity of resisting what the NLC perceives as an assault on workers’ rights and dignity.
In addition, the NLC signaled its intention to initiate industrial action in all states that have not complied with the minimum wage law by the stipulated deadline. The union made it clear that it would persist with these measures until the minimum wage is enforced uniformly across the country.
“The NEC therefore resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will among others commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights,” the statement read.
The NLC’s plan for industrial action is targeted at compelling state governments to fulfill their obligations under the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. According to the labor organization, the failure of states to implement the new wage structure not only violates workers’ legal rights but also undermines their economic welfare. The NLC emphasized that without swift compliance, the planned strikes will proceed, disrupting public services and potentially sparking wider protests.
“To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have,” the communique concluded.
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