By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The leadership of the National Assembly is mediating in the talks between the federal government and organised labour unions in the country over the proposed indefinite nationwide strike starting on Monday, June 3, 2024.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have directed their affiliate members to commence the strike action over the failure of the government and the organised private sector to agree on the new minimum wage proposed by the workers’ groups.
But the parliament is wading into the matter and has asked the labour unions to shelve the strike because it could badly hurt the struggling economy.
A decision has not been reached but representatives of the labour and the government attended the meeting facilitated by the leadership of the legislative arm of government led by the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas.
Others at the gathering were the Deputy Senate President, Mr Jibrin Barau; the Senate Leader, Mr Opeyemi Bamidele; the House Leader, Mr Julius Ihonvbere; and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity; Mr Diket Plang and Mr Gboyega Adefarati, respectively.
From the government side were, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SSG), Mr George Akume; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ms Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris Malagi; and the Head of Service, Mrs Folasade Yemi-Esan.
Representatives of the labour unions included the President of NLC, Mr Joe Ajaero; the President of TUC, Mr Festus Osifo; and other labour leaders.
