Labour promises to shut down states yet to pay new minimum wage

Labour has promised to shut down states yet to commence payment of minimum wage or conclude talks regarding the adjustment of salaries for senior civil servants by January 31st 2020.

This was confirmed at the end of the National Executive Council meeting by Trade Union Congress President, Quadri Olaleye.

According to Nigeria Labour Congress President, Ayuba Wabba, only 10 states agreed to pay the minimum wage before the first deadline expired on December 31, 2019.

Lagos and Kaduna commenced the implementation of the minimum wage before the curtain dropped on the year.

Aditional states include: Adamawa, Bauchi, Bornu, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Ebonyi.

Cross River, Kogi and Taraba are still lagging behind; as no talks regarding the new salary structure has commenced.

While 23 states have begun negotiations.

Olaleye words: “The Congress advises all state governments who have not complied with the implementation and immediate payment of the N30, 000.00 new National Minimum Wage to commence negotiations and implementation on or before 31st January, 2020, otherwise the state government should be responsible for the consequences of their failure. “State councils have been directed to commence mobilisation of their members immediately.

“We want to assure them this is not an empty threat. Labour will shut down any states that have not yet started the implementation or negotiation.”