Nigerian workers have been advised to demand better welfare packages from the government and private employers of labour, and not bogus minimum wages.
Renowned socio-political activist and critic, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri dropped this advice in a Press statement in Lagos yesterday, amidst the ongoing workers’ strike which began on Monday.
According to Onitiri, its foolhardy for the Labour leaders to assume the government would agree to pay N600,000 as minimum wage which would at the end cause more inflation and worse the country’s economic situation.
“We urge urge the NLC and TUCleadership to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerian workers and not further compound their sufferings.
“There is no doubt that the masses are facing serious economic hardship as their take home pay cannot buy essential commodities of life nor pay house rent and school fees of their children.
“The present demand of the NLC and TUC as monthly minimum wage of N400,000 or is too bogus and very unrealistic. Most of the states cannot afford to pay it,” he reasoned.
He pointed out that some of the states were still struggling to pay the N30,000 per month as minimum wage for their workers.
In all honesty, he explained, the NLC and TUC should have demanded a drastic reduction in the humongous cost of governance, a reduction in the take home pay and allowances of the National Assembly members and Hon Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
They should also demand the scrapping of security votes of state Governors. Besides, they should fight for subsidies for workers in areas of rent payments, health facilities, transportation cost and food.
Ask for food stamps for workers. The realistic and affordable minimum wage the Labour can then demand for worker should be between N60,000 to N70,000. after the reduction in cost of governance and subsidies.
“As Democrats, we wish to commend the administration of President Bola Tinubu in the giant and laudable steps taken so far in introducing students education loan and the steps to make the local government autonomous.”
Onitiri called on the Labour to support the Federal government for these giant laudable steps.
The social critic cautioned that the fragile stability of the nation should not be tampered with. “We need peace desperately to make the country forge ahead and achieve the desired developmental goals.
“The NLC should not play into the hands of enemies of this country to scuttle the fragile democracy. Rather, they should work to make our democracy to endure better,” Onitiri pleaded.
He urged the Labour organizations to call off the strike and return to the negotiating table with the Federal Government team for quick resolution of the wage matter.
