Governor Otti stated this when he received the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero and his delegation at the Government House, Umuahia.

He described his government as labour-friendly, noting that the present administration is currently clearing 16 years of outstanding benefits owed to families of deceased Abia workers.

He directed the Secretary to the State Government and other relevant officials to investigate why the statutory 10 per cent check-off dues were not being remitted to the NLC national body.

Responding to a request for a befitting Secretariat for the Abia State chapter of the NLC, Governor Otti instructed that land be allocated for the project and assured that the State Government would be part of its development.

Earlier, the NLC National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero commended Governor Otti for the visible transformation across the state, including the renovation of hostels at Abia State University (ABSU), describing the Governor as people-oriented and progressive.

Comrade Ajaero also called for the construction of a befitting Secretariat for the Abia NLC, the provision of an operational vehicle for the State Congress, and the direct remittance of the statutory 10 per cent monthly check-off dues to the national body.

In his remarks, the Abia State NLC Chairman, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro, lauded the Governor’s labour-friendly disposition, particularly the regular payment of workers’ salaries, which he said had ended the era of salary arrears in the State.

By Amarachi Uzoukwu

The post Gov Otti Reiterates Commitment To Workers’ Welfare first appeared on National Ambassador News.

According to a report carried by Vanguard, Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Ajaero was about to board a flight to the United Kingdom for an official assignment when operatives of the DSS picked him up.

Although details of the arrest and the reasons are still sketchy, the report, citing sources, sources said Ajaero has been handed over to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

According to sources, Ajaero was billed to attend the conference of Trade Union Congresses in the UK holding today.

The post DSS arrests NLC President, Ajaero first appeared on National Ambassador News.

However, this resulted the Unions walking out of the negotiations table on minimum wage with the government and Organised Private Sector.

In a statement jointly issued and signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero and TUC Deputy President, Tommy Etim Okon, last Wednesday. 15th May 2024, however expressed disappointment, saying the federal government has shown its unseriousness with the amount it proposed.

They said despite their sincere efforts to come to a fair agreement, the actions of the Government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) were deemed inadequate, ultimately causing the breakdown in negotiations.

The labour leaders called on the government to reconsider its position and return to the negotiation table with a reasonable figure that can give workers a living wage as promised by President Bola Tinubu.

“In contrast the Organised Private Sector (OPS) proposed an initial offer of N54,000 (fifty-four thousand Naira) though it is worth noting that even the least paid workers in the private sector receives N78,000 (seventy-eight thousand Naira per month) as clearly stated by the OPS, highlighting the stark disparity between the proposed minimum wage and prevailing standards further demonstrating the unwillingness of Employers and Government to faithfully negotiate a fair National Minimum Wage for Workers in Nigeria.

“Furthermore, the Government’s failure to provide any substantiated data to support their offer exacerbates the situation.

“This lack of transparency and good faith undermines the credibility of the negotiation process and erodes trust between the parties involved.

“As representatives of Nigerian workers, we cannot in good conscience accept a wage proposal that would result in a reduction in income for federal-level workers who are already receiving N30,000 (thirty thousand Naira) as mandated by law, augmented by Buhari’s 40% Peculiar allowance (N12,000) and the N35,000 (thirty-five thousand Naira) wage award, totaling N77,000 (seventy-seven thousand Naira) only. Such a regressive step would undermine the economic well-being of workers and their families and is unacceptable in a National Minimum Wage Fixing process.

“In light of these developments, and in order to prevent the negotiation of a wage deduction, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have taken the decision to walk out of the negotiation process. We remain committed to advocating for the rights and interests of Nigerian workers and will continue to engage in reasonable dialogue with the Government if they show serious commitment to find a fair and sustainable resolution to this impasse.

“We call upon the Government to reconsider its position and come to the negotiation table with clear hands that reflects the true value of the contributions made by Nigerian workers to the nation’s development and the objective socioeconomic realities that confront not just Nigerian workers but Nigerians today as a result of the policies of the federal government.

“Together, in a reasonable dialogue, we can work to give Nigerian workers a N615,000 (Six hundred and Fifteen thousand Naira) National Minimum wage as proposed by us on the basis of evidence and Data. This will be in keeping with the pledge of the President; his Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge to ensure a Living wage for Nigerian workers.”

By Sophina Ovuike, Abuja

The post NLC, TUC Reject FG N48,000 Minimum Wage Proposal first appeared on National Ambassador News.

In response to the protest, organized labour had also threatened to embark on an industrial strike to pressure the government into addressing their demands. Subsequently, the federal government filed a contempt proceeding against the labour groups, accusing them of defying a court order that restrained them from undertaking any industrial action.

Earlier, the NLC had issued a seven-day ultimatum, demanding the reversal of what they termed “anti-poor” and “insensitive” policies. These policies included the recent increase in petrol prices and sudden hikes in public school fees, among others.

However, renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, defended the unions, asserting that the strike action did not constitute contempt of court and that peaceful protests were within their fundamental rights. In contrast, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the solicitor-general of the federation, argued that the planned strike and protests aimed to disrupt public peace and instill fear among the masses, hence should not be considered peaceful.

Jedy-Agba also pointed out that the subject matter, which is the primary cause of the action, is currently sub judice, and both parties are expected to maintain the status quo until the court hears and decides on the matter.

Ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the federal government, Justice Olufunke Anuwe granted an order restraining the NLC and TUC from proceeding with any planned industrial action or strike until the court hears and determines the motion on notice filed by the federal government.

The situation remains tense as the federal government seeks to address the labour unions’ grievances while simultaneously insisting on the court order being upheld to prevent any further disruption. As both sides hold their ground, the fate of the ongoing dispute now rests in the hands of the judiciary.

The post Federal Government Sues Organized Labour Over Nationwide Protests first appeared on National Ambassador News.