The non-implementation of the new National Minimum Wage approved by the Federal Government eight months ago is putting a wedge in the relationship between the state governments and the organised labour.
Though few states in the country have paid the new national minimum wage pending the time the governments and organised labour will reach an agreement on the implementation of consequential adjustments for their workers, Akwa Ibom government has paid neither the new minimum wage nor the consequential adjustments to its workers.
At the moment, the workers who collected their December salary last week are in a fix when the state government will pay them the new minimum wage cum the consequential adjustments which run into multi-millions of Naira.
It is feared that payment of arrears of new minimum wage to workers with effect from April 18 will create tension between the states and the labour, though the Federal Government has decided to pay to its workers.
A meeting held by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, and officials of the state government on Monday, December 30 which dovetailed into the thick night is said to have ended in a deadlock.
In the concluded meeting monitored by Straightnews showed that the parties involved did not reach an agreement on the payment of arrears of new minimum wage and consequential adjustments to workers because the labour shifted grounds partly on some aspects while the government was adamant not to bend to the demands of labour.
A source from the organised labour confided in Straightnews that “We did not reach an agreement on some issues particularly the payment of arrears of new minimum wage and consequential adjustments. The meeting will continue today (Tuesday) and after that, we will communicate our stand to the national NLC to guide us on the next line of action.”
However, Comrade Sunny James, the Chairperson of Nigeria Labour Congress, Akwa Ibom Council speaking with Straightnews reporter in Uyo on Tuesday, December 31, said “The meeting went well. Before now, no significant progress was recorded in our negotiation. During the meeting, we made presentations, offers and counter-offers. The government officials stepped down some items and we agreed and stepped up other items fro the earlier hardened positions. Negotiations have started in earnest.
On the payment of consequential adjustments to workers, James said “We are negotiating. We have looked at the Federal Government’s table. We will jack it up in this state to make up for the shortfall in the new minimum wage. In fact. Akwa Ibom is one of the states that will not be able to meet the December 31 deadline ordered by the national NLC.
On his advice to workers, he enjoined “I want to use this opportunity to appeal to workers to be patient with us as we continue to negotiate for a better deal. We are doing our best. Not long, we will round off negotiations before the end of January.”
In an interview with Straightnews reporter in Uyo on Tuesday, December 31, Akwa Ibom Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien said “Negotiation continues with Labour on consequential adjustments of the new minimum wage. Governor Udom is committed to paying as soon as negotiation is concluded being workers’ friendly Governor.”
