By Stephen Simon
The disagreement between Nigeria’s two major labour centres over the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 monthly transport allowance has intensified, with the Nigeria Labour Congress criticising the Trade Union Congress for rejecting the intervention.
The TUC had rejected the proposed allowance, describing it as inadequate to address the economic difficulties confronting Nigerian workers and demanding an immediate salary increase.
The congress also called for the implementation of outstanding agreements with workers, particularly those under the Joint Health Sector Unions.
In a statement issued after a National Administrative Council meeting held in Abuja on October 8, the TUC argued that temporary wage interventions could not replace a meaningful improvement in workers’ salaries.
It further accused the Federal Government of failing to fulfil outstanding obligations under previous wage agreements.
However, NLC President Joe Ajaero, in a response reported on Friday, October 30, faulted the TUC’s position, arguing that the organisation should not criticise an agreement it did not participate in negotiating.
Ajaero described the proposed six-month transport intervention as a significant relief for workers facing rising petrol prices and living costs.He challenged the TUC to negotiate better benefits for its members rather than reject the agreement reached by the NLC and the Federal Government.
Ajaero also warned that the temporary allowance should not expire without a new minimum wage arrangement reflecting prevailing economic realities.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association has insisted that private-sector employers must be involved in negotiations over the national minimum wage, arguing that such discussions should follow the tripartite principle involving government, employers and workers.
The disagreement has exposed differing positions within organised labour over how best to address declining purchasing power and the rising cost of living.
