NLC Storms NASS To Press For Minimum Wage

0

Teddy Oscar, Abuja

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday led thousands of protesters to the National Assembly Complex to protest against the amendment passed by the Senate.

Pointing out that the minimum wage has a number of undesirable implications to the Nigerian citizens, the congress demanded the inclusion of the minimum wage on the exclusive list rather than the concurrent list the Senate placed it.

It argued that politics would be introduced into wage determination, if it is allowed to be on the concurrent list, especially during the election periods.

Led by the former and current presidents of NLC, Comrade Adams Oshiomole and Comrade Abdulwaheed Umar, respectively, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria(PASAN), the protesters brandished placards with various inscription, like: ?Do not worsen the security problems, retain minimum wage on the exclusive list?.

NLC also reminded the Senate that the during the consultations organised by the House of Representatives? Committee on Constitution Amendment across the country, the masses overwhelmingly voted to maintain the status quo by retaining minimum wage on the exclusive legislative list.

A handbill distributed by the Oshiomole-led group particularly alleged that the national minimum wage would be abandoned in favour of multiple minimum wage that would cut across states in the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.

It also noted that the amendments will create a chaotic and potentially destabilising industrial relations environment in the country.

In his address, Oshiomole pointed out that government ought to protect its citizens.

Stressing that a fixed minimum wage should be considered by the Federal Government to resolve issues regarding salary in the country, the Edo State governor added that ?workers should be paid according to their efforts.?

Responding to the protesters, the Senate President, David Mark, assured that the Federal Government would improve on the minimum wage.

Disclosed that the Senate has not concluded with exercise regarding the minimum wage, Mark pointed out that there would be a joint committee of both chambers of the National Assembly, which would be set up to meet to that effect.

Send your news stories to [email protected] Follow News Ghana on Google News

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here