The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 wage award, insisting on an immediate and sustainable salary increase for workers.
President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N.A. Toro, in a statement, argued that temporary relief measures had failed to benefit all workers and should not replace direct salary adjustments.
TUC suggested that the government could raise the salary of the lowest-paid federal worker to ₦300,000, with consequential adjustments across other grades, citing states that had already raised minimum wages above ₦100,000.
It stressed that negotiations for a new national minimum wage should not delay urgent salary reviews amid rising living costs. “Salary is the only consistent and far-reaching pay that workers could rely upon,” the statement declared.
The Congress recalled that the ₦40,000 wage award agreed in October 2023 was poorly implemented, with many workers left unpaid, others receiving irregular payments, and over 80 per cent of states and informal sector workers excluded.
It questioned the rationale for another wage award, warning that workers could not trust new promises when past obligations remained unmet.
Beyond salary increases, TUC urged federal, state and local governments to introduce concrete measures to reduce the cost of essential goods and services.
It highlighted the plight of pensioners, private-sector employees and informal workers struggling with food, transport and healthcare costs.
Also Read: FG approves N70,000 monthly lifeline for workers
The Congress demanded timely payment of salaries and pensions, protection of jobs, curbing exploitative practices, and revitalisation of the productive sector to generate decent employment.
On the lingering dispute with the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, TUC accused the Federal Government of failing to honour the agreement reached after prolonged industrial action.
It recalled that the final conciliatory meeting, attended by labour leaders and top government officials, produced a communiqué committing to the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, CONHESS adjustment.
Seven months later, the adjustment remains unimplemented. TUC described the delay as a violation of good faith and collective bargaining principles, demanding immediate implementation, clear timelines, budgetary allocations and resolution of outstanding issues.
The Congress warned that health workers should not be expected to continue providing essential services while agreements remained unfulfilled.
It pledged to stand with JOHESU and pursue lawful measures to secure compliance. Reiterating its demands, TUC said its position was aimed at securing economic justice and protecting workers’ livelihoods.
“Workers’ welfare is not a privilege. Agreements must be honoured. Workers’ rights must be respected. Government must comply,” it declared.
TUC stated it was awaiting the outcome of its scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before deciding on its next line of action.
TRIBUNE ONLINE
