Several unions have closed their workplaces in response to the directive from two major labor unions to begin an indefinite nationwide strike.
On Friday, organized labor announced the commencement of a nationwide indefinite strike due to the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero stated that the strike would start at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
In a joint statement, Ajaero and Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osifo expressed their deep concerns and disappointment over the Federal Government’s failure to finalize and enact a new National Minimum Wage Act.
They also called for the reversal of the electricity tariff increase to N65/kWh.
Previously, both unions had set a deadline of May 31, 2024, for negotiations on the new minimum wage. However, discussions between organized labor and the Federal Government broke down on Tuesday after both sides presented their offers.
The government had increased its initial offer from N57,000 to N60,000, which was rejected by labor during the meeting. Labor had also reduced its demand from N497,000 to N494,000.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) President Emmanuel Osodeke, in a statement addressed to branch chairpersons and zonal coordinators on Monday, directed university lecturers nationwide to join the strike as an affiliate of the congress.
The statement read, “The NLC has declared an indefinite strike action beginning from Monday, 3rd June 2024, as a result of the failure of Government to conclude the renegotiation of minimum wage for Nigerian workers and reversal of hike in electricity tariff.
On Sunday, Aviation unions directed its members to withdraw services across airports in Nigeria.
The unions include the National Union of Air Transport Employees, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers.
The union stated, “In compliance with the directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria—we hereby inform the general public, aviation service providers, airline operators, aviation businesses, and all aviation workers nationwide that starting from 0000hrs of June 3, 2024, all services at all Nigerian airports shall be fully withdrawn till further notice.”
The unions decided after an emergency meeting held on Sunday.
Below are the unions that have joined the strike:
- The Academic Staff Union of Universities.
- Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria.
- The National Union of Electricity Employees.
- National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees.
- Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria.
- Joint Union Action Committee.
- The Nigeria Union of Teachers.
- National Associations of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives.
- Joint Health Sector Unions.
More to come…
