BREAKING: Labour in Closed-Door Session with Govt Representatives

Labour leaders have arrived at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) for a closed-door meeting with government representatives, a highly placed source informed our correspondent on Monday.

“We are also meeting with the government representative in the SGF office today. Already seated, awaiting the government representative,” the source said.

The source has yet to disclose the names of the government representatives attending the meeting at the time of filing this report.

In compliance with the directive of two major labour unions, some workplaces have shut down as part of an indefinite nationwide strike.

On Friday, organized labour announced the commencement of a nationwide indefinite strike due to the Federal Government’s refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage from ₦60,000.

According to Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero, the strike began at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

In a joint statement, Ajaero and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Festus Osifo, expressed serious concerns and disappointment over the Federal Government’s failure to finalize and pass a new National Minimum Wage Act.

Both unions had given an ultimatum of May 31, 2024, for negotiations on the new minimum wage. However, talks between organized labour and the Federal Government broke down on Tuesday after both parties presented their offers.

The government increased its initial offer from ₦57,000 to ₦60,000, which labour rejected. Labour, in turn, lowered their demand from ₦497,000 to ₦494,000.

Details to follow.