The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have vehemently opposed the Federal Government’s decision to backdate the implementation of the new minimum wage to July 2024.
During a meeting held on Friday by the Committee on Consequential Adjustments in Salaries for civil servants, it was agreed that July 29, 2024, would serve as the effective date for the new minimum wage. This decision was outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) issued after the meeting, which was later obtained by reporters in Abuja.
The Committee, chaired by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, also recommended that the wage award, which had previously been discontinued, should be paid retroactively up until July 28, 2024. According to the government, this decision was influenced by the ongoing economic challenges facing the country.
“The Committee held four meetings and considered all presentations by the Federal Government and Trade Union Sides. It also considered the economic situation and ability of 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 MoU stated.
Despite this agreement, the NLC and TUC have expressed dissatisfaction. Benson Upah, the NLC’s Head of Information, rejected the decision, arguing, “The backdating to July is not fair. It is not acceptable.”
In a similar vein, Timmy Etim, the National Vice President of the TUC, voiced his discontent, reminding the public that the Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, had previously assured workers during the May Day celebrations that the new minimum wage would take effect from May 1, 2024.
“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 parameter they used for the change. But it will be unfair for the government to do that taking cognizance of the socio-economic challenges,” Etim stated.
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