Lack of Progress in April for Implementation of New Minimum Wage, Labour Reports

Expressing dissatisfaction over the delay in finalizing negotiations on a new minimum wage, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on the Federal Government to expedite the process.

According to TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, who made the remarks following a session with the National Executive Council (NEC), the implementation of a new minimum wage is unlikely to occur before the end of May.

TUC also criticized certain states in the Niger Delta region for failing to disburse wage awards or relief funds to their employees, singling out Delta, Imo, and Benue as the primary offenders despite receiving substantial funds from the Federation Account.

Furthermore, TUC expressed disappointment that the Federal Government has yet to issue the wage awards for March and April to federal workers, emphasizing the urgency of these payments to alleviate financial hardship.

In his statement, Osifo emphasized the importance of empowering the working class in order to stimulate economic growth. He stressed that boosting the purchasing power of citizens through higher wages is essential for driving economic activity and increasing consumer spending.

Therefore, TUC called for the expedited progress of the minimum wage committee to ensure the prompt establishment of a new minimum wage, which they believe is crucial for revitalizing the economy.