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Minimum Wage Strike, Victory For Workers – NLC
Suspended nationwide strike embarked upon by Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to demand for the implementation of the new minimum wage is not only a victory because of the passage of the law but also has made government to acknowledge the need for quick implementation of the minimum wage.
The acting president of the NLC, Comrade Promise Adewusi made this observation in a communiqué at the end of the joint emergency meeting between the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Abuja to commence the suspension of the strike.
According to him, a lot have been achieved within the 24 hours of the warning strike pointing out that the main intention of the strike was to get the government understand that something quick should be done in more practical time to effect the new minimum wage.
Comrade Adewusi reiterated that the two labour centres, NLC and TUC would not accept any figure less than the already negotiated N18,000 minimum wage.
He lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for his wisdom which led to the suspension and concern for the welfare of workers even before the issue of the new minimum wage in the country. He also called on employers of labour not to punish any worker for partaking in the strike.
Reacting to the suspension of the strike, the Minister of Labour, Hon. Emeke Nwogu thanked NLC and TUC for the understanding and assured that government will cooperate and support workers in line with the policy of constructive engagement.