Again, Federal Government, labour disagree on minimum wage structure

The negotiation between the Federal Government and labour unions over the minimum wage has again hit a roadblock.

According to The Nation, a fresh negotiation held on Wednesday in Abuja, but both parties failed to agree on wage percentage, with plans to meet again on August 15.

It was also learnt that the disagreement is delaying the payment of the N30,000 to junior workers in the Federal Civil Service.

At the meeting, the government’s 10-man team was led by a Permanent Secretary in OSGF, Adekunle Lawal. Labour’s 10 negotiating leaders were headed by Comrade Simon Achebe, who is the acting chairman of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council.

Speaking in confidence, a source close to the negotiation, said: “Again, the negotiation by the two parties was not far-reaching at all. Labour only made 1% concession from 30% increase for levels 07 to 14 to 29%. Also, it shifted from its demand for 25% wage increase for workers from levels 15- 17 to 24%.

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“The Federal Government stuck to its offers of 9.5% to 10% for workers on levels 7-14 and 5% to 5.5% for levels 15 to 17.

“After about four hours, there was no headway. The government’s team advised labour to “come with an open mind” to the next meeting.

“The meeting was deadlocked. The two parties will reconvene on August 14 and 15 for resumption of negotiation.”

Asked of what becomes of the negotiation at the state level, a labour source said: “Nothing concrete can be done now because the outcome of the talks at the federal level will serve as a template for negotiation in the 36 states.

“It is after the conclusion of our negotiation that the Joint Negotiating Council in each state will have to open discussions with state governors on percentage increase across board.

“Labour has directed its state chapters to await the final outcome with the Federal Government before beginning talks with state governments. So, no implementation of minimum wage yet in the 36 states.”

“Junior workers with the Federal Government have not been paid N30, 000 minimum wage, “a member of the negotiating council said.