N35,000 wage: Osun labour leaders demand implementation

In light of the Federal Government’s recent announcement of a minimum wage of N35,000, organized labor in Osun State has pushed for the state government to adopt the new rate.

To head off a strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Bola Tinubu-led administration proposed a number of relief measures for the working class.

All low-level employees will receive N25,000 over the following six months.

As a result of public outcry, however, the President raised the amount to N35,000 for the next six months.

The demand was made in a letter to the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Friday. It was signed by Modupe Oyedele, the acting state NLC chairman; Bimbo Fasasi, the chairman of the Osun Trades Union Congress; and Lasun Akindele, the chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council. They noted that letters had been written to the governor on the demands for higher wage in June, 2023.

In addition, they mentioned that a nudge would be issued in July of 2023.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress has directed that all State Councils immediately engage their respective State governments in effecting the agreed sum of Thirty Five Thousand Naira (N35,000) only wage rewards to all categories of workers across board in the state service.

“Your Excellency will remember that the state Labour Movement had written to you on the subject previously sometime in June, and a reminder was also sent in July.

“The state’s labor movement has no doubts about Your Excellency’s compassion for the people who make this state work. We have faith that the well-being of your employees is a top priority for you.

Accordingly, “in this spirit, we urge Your Excellency to graciously approve the agreed sum of Thirty-Five Thousand Naira (N35,000) only wage rewards to all categories of workers across board in the state service commencing from the month of September, 2023,” per the signed memorandum of understanding that prevented the strike.

The union’s leadership has faith that the Governor will act quickly to resolve the issue.

The labor leaders maintained that these increased pay would help ease the suffering of workers who had seen their incomes cut as a result of the termination of the petrol subsidy and its consequential severe economic impacts.

However, Kolapo Alimi, the state’s commissioner for information and public enlightenment, said it might be premature to make any judgments at this time.

It is certain, he said, that the administration will invite the labor leaders to negotiate the matter.