FG, Labour Headed for Showdown Over Minimum Wage Implementation

The Federal Government’s decision to backdate the implementation of the new minimum wage to July 21 has been met with criticism from labour leaders.

The Committee on Consequential Adjustments in Salaries for civil servants had agreed that the effective date for implementation of the new minimum wage be set at July 29, 2024.

However, the government’s decision to backdate it to July 21 has been described as “unfair” and “unacceptable” by labour leaders.

“The backdating to July is not fair. It is not acceptable,” said Benson Upah, Head of Information of the Nigerian Labour Congress. Timmy Etim, National Vice President of the Trade Union Congress, also criticized the government’s move, saying that it was unfair to change the effective date of the minimum wage implementation.

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Civil servants have also criticized the government’s decision, saying it is an attempt to shortchange them.

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“The Federal Government caused this problem. It has kept increasing prices of fuel while nothing serious is being done regarding implementation of the new minimum wage,” said a civil servant.

The implementation of the new minimum wage has been a contentious issue, with labour leaders demanding a higher wage and the government insisting that it cannot afford it.

The government’s decision to backdate the implementation has raised concerns among labour leaders, who feel that it is an attempt to renege on its promise.