The Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has clarified the delay in implementing the agreed N70,000 minimum wage, stating that the NLC rejected the Abia State government's offer because it fell short of the N70,000 threshold established by the organized labour and the Federal Government.
During a press briefing at Government House on Friday, Governor Alex Otti explained that his administration's minimum wage team is still awaiting a response from the NLC. Meanwhile, the NLC has stated they are waiting for directives from their national council.
The Chairman of the NLC in Abia, Okoro Ogbonnaya, revealed in an interview with Flo fm Umuahia, that the Abia State government team proposed an amount below the approved N70,000 minimum wage, which was subsequently rejected by the NLC.
Ogbonnaya emphasized that the N70,000 minimum wage, even for those on Level 1 Step 1, is non-negotiable. He stressed that the NLC team is more focused on ensuring consequential adjustments for employees across various levels.
He stated that the labor team is poised to reconvene with the committee, bringing with them the approved template from the NLC headquarters to facilitate the discussions on consequential adjustments.
The Abia state labour leader recognized that the Abia State government is providing civil servants with a Wage Award, which differs from the Minimum Wage.
He said, "The proposed amount was below N70,000, and we have rejected it. We are not prepared to negotiate anything less than N70,000. Our attention will be directed toward discussions on consequential adjustments. We are committed to ensuring that the agreed minimum wage is upheld and that any necessary adjustments are properly addressed."
Also Read: Governor Otti Allays Fears Of Mass Retrenchment In Abia State
Recall that, during the Governor's first anniversary in office, he assured workers that his government will be among the first to implement the new national minimum wage once it is established.
“We are, however, conscious of our promise and as soon as a headway is made, Abia will be amongst the first to pay whatever becomes the new national minimum wage. The patience, understanding and sacrifices of the workers are very much appreciated, and shall never be taken for granted." He said
