Union Issues Ultimatum Over N18,000 Minimum Wage

The Nigeria Civil Service Union has issued a 21-day ultimatum to government at all levels to commence without delay the full implementation of the new minimum wage.

This was part of the communiqué issued by the Union at the end of  its National Executive Council meeting held recently.

Accordingly to the communiqué jointly signed by the Union’s National president, Comrade Kiri Mohammed and General Secretary, Comrade G.U. Ukeni and made available to The Tide , the Union said the NEC critically considered the implementation of N18,000 National Minimum Wage which was legally binding on the government.

It said the non-implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage by the Federal and some state government is not only disturbing but also an impeachable offence for a legally binding agreement not to be implemented.

The communiqué further said, the Union resolved to issue 21 days ultimatum with effect from December 19, 2011 ending on Monday January 9, 2012 to the concerned tiers of government to conclude negotiation and implement the N18,000 Minimum Wage Act without further delay.

The statement further stated that the Union also deliberated on the Federal Government’s proposal to remove fuel subsidy next year and rejected the policy on the ground that it would worsen the plight of the already improverished masses.

The communiqué therefore called on the Federal Government to fix the existing refineries in the country rather than relying solely on the importation of fuel for the country’s local consumption.

On the spate of bombings in parts of the country, the Union expressed concern over the bombings that has claimed the lives of innocent citizens and called on security agencies to brace up to address the security challenges.

The communiqué passed vote of confidence on the Union’s leadership headed by Comrade Kiri Mohammed and called on all members of the Union to be law abiding and committed to their responsibilities.

Speaking to The Tide earlier on arrival from the National Executive Council meeting, the Union’s National Vice President, Comrade Menele Nzidee stressed that the Union is not prepared for any round of negotiation on the minimum wage again.

He called on the federal and state governments to fully implement the N18,000 minimum wage payment to workers.