Minimum Wage Demand Not Set in Stone: TUC President The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Quadri Olaleye, has stated that the union’s demand for a N250,000 minimum wage is not set in stone. In an interview with journalists, Olaleye explained that the figure was arrived at after a thorough analysis of the country’s economic situation, cost of living, and comparable wages in other countries. However, he emphasized that the union was open to negotiations with the government. “Our demand for a N250,000 minimum wage is not cast in iron. We are willing to negotiate with the government based on data and evidence,” said Olaleye. “We believe that this amount is fair and reasonable, considering the current economic realities and the need to improve the living standards of Nigerian workers.” He further stressed that the government should consider the impact of rising inflation and the devaluation of the naira on the purchasing power of workers. The TUC’s demand for a higher minimum wage has been met with mixed reactions from stakeholders. Some economists have argued that it could lead to job losses and inflation, while labor unions have maintained that it is necessary to alleviate poverty and inequality. Meanwhile, the government has set up a tripartite committee to review the current minimum wage of N30,000. The committee, which includes representatives from the government, employers, and organized labor, is expected to submit its report within 30 days. The TUC president expressed optimism that the committee would come up with a fair and equitable recommendation. “We are confident that the tripartite committee will do a thorough job and come up with a figure that will be acceptable to all parties,” said Olaleye. “We are hopeful that the government will consider our demand and implement a minimum wage that will lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.”Negotiable Minimum Wage ProposalNegotiable Minimum Wage Proposal The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, has emphasized that the unions’ proposal of a N250,000 minimum wage is not set in stone and is subject to negotiation. Reason for Strike Osifo clarified that the recent nationwide strike was triggered by the federal government’s refusal to negotiate beyond the proposed N60,000 minimum wage, leaving workers with no choice but to embark on industrial action. Flexibility in Negotiations According to Osifo, the unions are open to adjustments and wanderings in their wage demands. He emphasized that there is room for compromise and reasonable solutions acceptable to both parties. Government’s Responsibility Beyond the minimum wage debate, Osifo expressed concerns about the exodus of companies from Nigeria. He urged the federal government to take measures to mitigate this trend, highlighting the roles of the Minister of Trade and Investment in ensuring ease of doing business and retaining businesses in the country. Previous Proposals and Disputes Earlier, the National Labor Congress (NLC) and TUC jointly proposed a N615,000 minimum wage. After negotiations, the unions settled for N250,000. However, the government insisted on N62,000, which was supported by the organized private sector. Next Steps The proposals from both sides have been submitted to President Tinubu, who has indicated his intention to forward them to the National Assembly for approval.Minimum Wage Demand Not Set in Stone: TUC President The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, has stated that the union’s demand for a N250,000 minimum wage is not fixed and can be negotiated. Osifo made this clarification during a meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, on Tuesday in Abuja. “Our demand for N250,000 as the minimum wage is not set in stone. We are open to negotiations and willing to consider other proposals that are reasonable and can meet the needs of working-class Nigerians,” Osifo said. He emphasized the need for a decent wage that would enable workers to meet their basic necessities and improve their standard of living. Ngige, on his part, thanked the TUC for its flexibility and expressed the government’s commitment to working with the union to find a mutually acceptable minimum wage increase. “We understand the concerns of workers and the need for a decent wage. We are committed to engaging with the TUC and other stakeholders to reach a consensus that will be beneficial to all parties involved,” Ngige said. The negotiations are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with the aim of reaching an agreement before the expiration of the current minimum wage of N30,000 in December 2023.