Breaking News: Strike Halted as Labour Unions and Government Enter New Wage Negotiations **Labour Unions Suspend Strike for Wage Talks*
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By Joy Richardson
Abuja, Nigeria — The nationwide strike initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Monday, June 3, 2024, has been temporarily suspended. The strike, which was in response to demands for a new minimum wage and higher electricity tariffs, has been paused for one week.
TUC President Festus Osifo announced the suspension after a joint emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, June 4. The decision to pause the strike was influenced by ongoing negotiations and the federal government’s proposal to increase the minimum wage beyond the initially suggested N60,000.
Earlier, the NLC indicated that the strike would continue pending further discussions within their respective councils. However, the government’s commitment to revisiting the wage proposal during a late-night meeting on Monday, led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, prompted the unions to reconsider.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his support for a national minimum wage exceeding N60,000. To finalize the details, a tripartite committee comprising government, labour, and employer representatives will meet daily over the next week.
The unions have assured workers that no one will face retaliation for participating in the strike.
