New Minimum Wage: NLC Begins Nationwide Strike Today

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and United Labour Congress (ULC) has commenced a nationwide strike today to demand a quick implementation of a new minimum wage for workers in the country.

NLC Begins Nationwide Strike Today https://t.co/DDJNicvMfp pic.twitter.com/PdP3q97Yw4

— Ibrahim Salawu (@UnilagOlodo) September 27, 2018

It will be recalled that the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, told journalists at a press briefing yesterday that public offices, schools, banks and other places of work are expected to comply with the strike action, which is bound to shutdown the economy. According to Wabba, it became obvious that the government did not intend to keep its promise of implementing a new minimum wage for workers.

Despite Pressure From The Federal Government, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Begins Nationwide Strike Today… https://t.co/tYK6BG0NCK

— ABJ galaxy (@abj_galaxy) September 27, 2018

He pointed out that the industrial action became the last resort following federal government’s refusal to reconvene the meeting of the tripartite national minimum wage committee to enable it conclude its work.

He said, ” The action is in compliance with the decision of the various organs of the organised labour which endorsed the 14-day ultimatum served on the federal government by members of the Organised Labour who are members of the Tripartite Committee on the new National Minimum Wage.

“The Labour organs further mandated their leadership to take all necessary steps, including a warning strike in the first instance to compel the government to reconvene the meeting of the Committee in order to bring it to a logical conclusion. In compliance with this mandate, all workers in the public and private sectors at all levels across the country have been directed to comply”.

Noting that economic activities, both in the private and public sectors, will be grounded today, Wabba said,

Strike: Benin Airport gates shut against passengers, workers https://t.co/YeMiLyyGy3

— Newsdiary Online (@newsdiaryonline) September 27, 2018

“Industrial unions, state councils, all worker organistions and our civil society allies have been directed to step up mobilization of their members.”All public and private institutions, offices, banks, schools, public and private business premises including filling stations are to remain shut till further notice.
“All those who mean well for this country are to see to the success of this action. Further more, this action is to remain in force until further directives are given”.

Meanwhile, activities at the Benin Airport were grounded today as both entry and exit gates were locked, with hundreds of intending passengers stranded, arising from nationwide strike called by leadership of organised labour.

Naija News understands that the strike caused gridlock within the axis of the Airport Road as motorists had hectic time trying to move within the area. While hundreds of intending passengers milled around both entry and exit gates,  security personnel struggled to control both human and vehicular traffic.