NLC: Workers Won’t Be Treated as Beggars, Minimum Wage is Non-Negotiable
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said that Nigerian workers will not be treated as beggars, emphasizing that state governors cannot unilaterally decide the minimum wage for workers.
Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs for the NLC, described the governors’ stance as dictatorial.
The NLC highlighted that the national minimum wage is a collective agreement aimed at ensuring a minimum standard of living for all workers in the country.
Read Also:
Upah informed the governors that the minimum wage is separate from the individual pay structures of states, which already reflect their unique financial capabilities and circumstances.
The statement by Upah reads partly: “The concept of a national minimum wage represents a national wage floor, a baseline below which no worker should be paid.
“This double standard pits a few privileged individuals against the majority poor, which should concern anyone who loves this country.”
“Allowing numerous companies and organizations in Nigeria to pay workers whatever they like is akin to what the governors are asking for.
“While these companies may not pay the same salaries, they must adhere to the national wage floor, and the same should apply to state governors.
“Nigerian workers should not be reduced to beggars! Enough is enough.”
