The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have temporarily suspended the ongoing strike action for five days, putting the struggle for a new minimum wage on hold.
The decision was announced after a joint extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting convened by the two labour centres.
According to Francis Akinjorin, Deputy National Secretary of the Association of Air Transport Association of Nigeria (ATTSAN), the strike is being “relaxed” for one week to test the Federal Government’s sincerity.
The meeting, presided over by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, ended with a resolution to halt the strike and continue engagement with the tripartite committee.
The strike, which began on June 2, 2024, was called to demand a new minimum wage and protest the recent increase in electricity prices.
President Bola Tinubu had expressed his commitment to raising the proposed minimum wage of N60,000 after a six-hour meeting with the Federal Government on Monday.
The agreement stated that the President is committed to establishing a National Minimum Wage higher than N60,000. The Tripartite Committee will convene daily for the next week to finalize an agreeable National Minimum Wage.
The suspension of the strike is seen as a move to give the Federal Government a chance to act on its commitment to a new minimum wage. The labour unions will be watching closely to see if the government will keep its promise.
