The Nigeria Labour Congress has blasted its sister central labor organization, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, for rejecting the negotiated N70,000 transport allowance for workers, describing the relief as a significant intervention to cushion the effects of rising petrol prices and the escalating cost of living.
NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, also challenged the TUC to negotiate better benefits for its members rather than criticize an agreement it did not participate in negotiating.
This comes as Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA, warned that organised private-sector employers cannot be bound by minimum wage agreements reached between the Federal Government and organised labour without their participation and concurrence, insisting that employers must have an equal voice in the negotiation process.
Speaking on Channels Television, yesterday, Ajaero said: “Nigerian workers were suffering; no intervention, nothing, and we have pushed with the threat of strike. We almost went on strike to get something, and then we got this.”
Describing the agreement as a landmark achievement, Ajaero said: “Between now and the next six months, this is a landmark achievement,” insisting that workers must not be left worse off when the allowance expires.
On the disagreement with the TUC, Ajaero expressed surprise at its criticism, saying “The agreement was not signed by TUC, and you don’t kick against something that you didn’t negotiate.
“My appeal is that they (TUC) should go and ask for something higher. Let them ask for one million naira if they want.
“Is it better that they don’t get anything?”
Ajaero maintained that the intervention could serve as a benchmark for further negotiations involving workers across different employment categories.
Ajaero warned that the six-month allowance must not expire without a new minimum wage arrangement that reflects prevailing economic realities.
He argued that future wage negotiations must consider rising transportation costs, food prices, housing and other necessities.
“We have to find a way out of it. It is not in favour of government to now stop paying and then there is no new minimum wage and there is nothing new,” he said.
Efforts to get the TUC to respond to Ajaero’s latest position were unsuccessful.
The TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, answered his call but said he was driving and promised to call back as soon as he arrived at his destination. However, he had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.
