TUC gives govt six-month deadline on minimum wage

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has given a six-month deadline to the National Minimum Wage Committee to come up with a new  minimum wage for  workers.

The congress is also asking all  governors owing workers salaries to settle such arrears before the end of the first quarter of this year or face the full wrath of the workers.  The TUC also urged the  Federal Government to redouble its fight against corruption.

In its new year message to  workers by its President, Bobboi Kaigama and General Secretary, Comrade Musa-Lawal Ozigi, the TUC said it could no longer accommodate this perennial fuel scarcity, especially during the yuletide or any other time.

Urging the government to take immediate steps to address the perennial fuel scarcity in the land, the TUC warned that “If it happens we will  direct and mobilise our members all over the country to abandon their cars on major roads.”

The message reads: “We wish to thank the Almighty God for the grace to see another year and equally appreciate all Nigerian workers for their endurance  and persistent quest for an egalitarian society.  Your tolerance and that of your wards is commendable. Truly the pain we bear is a needless one and we all shall work to correct the anomalies in 2018.

“While we also laud governments at all levels for a number of successes recorded, it is instructive that the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria states here unequivocally that Nigerian workers have not only lost their jobs in millions, but many  even committed suicide when they could no longer fend for their families.

“It is no news that pensioners (our senior servants) who served this country meritoriously die on a daily basis, even at verification locations throughout the country. Though their pension is not paid yet , they are burdened to feed their graduate children who are yet to get  jobs five years after graduation.

“This is not the best of times in our country as Nigerians are subjected to various dehumanising conditions. How do we explain it, that in the midst of the gruelling fuel scarcity, many workers are still being owed up to six months salary.

“Bailouts were given but unfortunately diverted by governors and the Federal Government seems not to be doing anything about it. Those governors involved in such irresponsible act should be brought to book. There is no milk of kindness left in our leaders anymore. They prefer state of the art monuments and houses as well as five star hotels to human life and the education of our children (the supposed leaders of tomorrow).

“Families die on our roads, yet they tell us our roads are not as bad as some Nigerians claim. It is only in Nigeria people pay for services that they did not use.  If things remain like this the Congress may have no option than to hit the street.

“We are worried by the astronomic rate factories close shop in Nigeria and the billions spent on medical tourism. There was a report recently decrying the spate at which our medical experts flee the country. Nigerians are brought back from Libya lame, blind and abused.

“As an organisation we do not blame Libyans. We blame our leaders who have failed to provide the basic things of life. What about our young graduates who have now become prostitutes, political thugs, ritual killings and other criminal activities?

The congress call on President Muhammadu Buhari to do the needful in putting the country on the path of progress, saying “we cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result. This is not how it is done in other climes.”

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