The organized labor in Osun State has called upon the state government to implement the recently announced N35,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government.
To avert a looming strike by the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Bola Tinubu-led administration introduced various relief measures for workers. One of these measures involved providing N25,000 to all categories of low-paid workers for the next six months.
However, due to mounting pressure, the President increased this amount to N35,000 for all civil servants for the next six months.
In a letter addressed to the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, and jointly signed by the acting state NLC Chairman, Modupe Oyedele, the Chairman of Osun TUC, Bimbo Fasasi, and the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Lasun Akindele, the labor leaders made their demand. They recalled that they had previously written to the governor about the need for higher wages in June 2023 and had sent a reminder in July 2023.
“The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress have directed all State Councils to immediately engage their respective state governments in implementing the agreed-upon sum of Thirty-Five Thousand Naira (N35,000) as wage rewards for all categories of workers in the state service.
“Your Excellency will recall that the state Labor Movement had already written to you on the subject earlier in the month of June, and a follow-up reminder was sent in July.
“The Labor Movement in the state is confident in Your Excellency’s commitment to the welfare of the state’s workers. We believe that the welfare of workers is of great importance to you.
“In this spirit, we urge Your Excellency to kindly approve the agreed-upon sum of Thirty-Five Thousand Naira (N35,000) as wage rewards for all categories of workers in the state service, starting from September 2023, as outlined in the signed memorandum of understanding that averted the proposed strike.”
The union’s leadership expressed confidence that the Governor would swiftly take action on this matter.
The labor leaders emphasized that the payment of these new wages would significantly alleviate the economic hardships faced by workers due to the removal of fuel subsidies and its resulting economic impact.
The state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, stated that it may be premature to comment on the issue.
“The government will certainly invite labor leaders for negotiations on the matter,” he said.