NLC, TUC Reject Federal Government’s Plan to Backdate Minimum Wage Payment to July
By Wisdom Tide
September 21, 2024
Government’s Decision Sparks Controversy
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have strongly condemned the Federal Government’s decision to backdate the implementation of the new minimum wage to July 2024. This comes after a meeting of the Committee on Consequential Adjustments in Salaries for civil servants, which took place on Friday, leading to an agreement on the new wage commencement date.
Implementation Date Set for July 2024
The meeting resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) issued by the Committee, which declared that July 29, 2024, would be the effective date for the implementation of the new minimum wage. The agreement also proposed that the discontinued wage award should be paid up until July 28, 2024.
This decision, according to the government, was made after considering the country's current economic climate. The MoU, obtained by correspondents in Abuja, outlined the basis for the decision:
“The Committee held four meetings and considered all presentations by the Federal Government and Trade Union Sides. It also considered the economic situation and the ability of the Federal Government to pay and sustain any consequential adjustment in salaries arising from the implementation of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2024, as well as the effect on other employers,” the statement read.
Labour Unions Express Displeasure
In response to the government’s decision, labour unions have expressed strong dissatisfaction. Benson Upah, Head of Information for the NLC, outrightly rejected the backdating of the new wage to July. “The backdating to July is not fair. It is not acceptable,” Upah stated, reflecting the union’s disappointment.
The TUC echoed similar sentiments. Timmy Etim, National Vice President of the TUC, expressed his discontent, highlighting the inconsistency between the initial promise made by the government and the current decision. He recalled that the Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, had assured workers during the May Day celebrations that the new minimum wage would take effect from May 1st.
Minister’s Earlier Assurance
“The Minister of State for Labour, during the May Day, said that the payment of the new national minimum wage would take effect from May 1st. I am surprised if they have changed and I don’t know the parameters they used for the change. But it will be unfair for the government to do that, taking cognizance of the socio-economic challenges,” Etim remarked, emphasizing the unfairness of the delay in implementation.
Conclusion
The decision to backdate the minimum wage implementation has heightened tensions between the government and the labour unions, with both the NLC and TUC calling for a fair and prompt resolution. As Nigeria grapples with economic difficulties, the unions are urging the government to honor its initial commitments, emphasizing that further delays would be detrimental to workers facing mounting economic pressures.
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