Labour consider strike suspension with new wage

By Ekwueme Benita

In a recent significant development, the Federal Government has given the green light to a provisional wage hike of N35,000 for treasury-paid workers, a measure set to be in effect for six months.

This announcement came after crucial discussions between government representatives and labor leaders, offering hope that an impending indefinite strike scheduled to commence on October 3 might be averted.

Notably, the talks, presided over by President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and joined by NLC President Mr. Joe Ajaero, bore fruit as the organized labor is now contemplating suspending their planned industrial action.

Key points of agreement include the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling issues stemming from the removal of subsidies.

Additionally, the government is expediting the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to alleviate the transportation challenges arising from the subsidy removal.

Moreover, a series of noteworthy initiatives have been unveiled. The Federal Government will temporarily waive VAT on diesel for six months.

Furthermore, starting from October and spanning three months, the government will distribute N75,000 to 15 million households at a rate of N25,000 per month. Micro and small-scale enterprises will also receive financial support.