Labour Unions Warn Of State Shutdowns Over Minimum Wage Default

Labour Unions Warn Of State Shutdowns Over Minimum Wage Default

Arapasopo, speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Osogbo, emphasized that the organized unions had collectively agreed on the new minimum wage as a preventive measure against an increase in fuel prices…….. CONTINUE READING 

During their NEC meeting, Arapasopo stated that all union members unanimously decided to enforce the minimum wage across all states, with a firm commitment to shut down any state that failed to comply.

“The governors cannot deny being part of the agreement. They were the ones advocating for ₦70,000 as the minimum wage,” Arapasopo remarked. “Initially, labour proposed ₦250,000, which was later negotiated down to ₦62,000 before eventually settling on ₦70,000. We have made significant sacrifices.”

He reiterated, “Therefore, any government or governor that defaults in payment will face a shutdown. Payment is non-negotiable and must be adhered to.”

Arapasopo explained that the decision was reached after thorough discussions during their recent NEC meeting, where state representatives unanimously endorsed the announced wage based on factual considerations.

“The President cautioned that if we insisted on our initial demand of ₦250,000, fuel prices would have to increase,” Arapasopo noted. “As responsible citizens, we considered the broader impact on all Nigerians and opted to accept ₦70,000 to prevent a fuel price hike.”

He emphasized that sticking to the ₦70,000 figure was essential to prevent adverse effects on Nigerians and workers alike, underscoring that it was a fair amount even for the lowest cadre of workers.

Arapasopo concluded by mentioning that while the Osun chapter of the union would engage with the state government regarding allowances for workers, the minimum wage itself remained non-negotiable.