Reps to interface with Organised Labour to avert nationwide strike on Minimum wage

The House of Representatives has resolved to meet with representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress in a bid to convince the latter to shelve its planned strike over minimum wage.

The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu who presided over plenary today in the absence of Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, assured Nigerians that the meeting with labour unions would help resolve the controversy surrounding the agitations over a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers, reports The PUNCH.

The House resolution followed the adoption of a motion on a matter of personal explanation moved by the member representing Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Kelechi Nwogu during plenary.

The lawmaker reminded his colleagues that the Organised Labour has announced a plan to embark on strike with effect from May 31, over a dispute with the federal government regarding the approval of a new minimum wage.

While noting that there was a need for proactive steps by the House to avert the strike, recalled that the lower legislative chamber had on March 16 adopted a motion on the need for a new minimum wage.

Nevertheless, he noted that the committee set up to come up with a proposed living wage for Nigerian workers was yet to report back to the House, contrary to the provision of the House Standing Order, which mandates committees to complete their assignments within 30 days, except there is an extension.

According to him, “If you look at Order 18 Rule 1 Sub 5 of our Standing Order, it says any matter referred to a committee shall be treated within 30 days, otherwise the committee stands discharged after 60 days, except there is an extension of time.

“This House adopted a motion on the need to provide a living wage for workers in Nigeria, sponsored by the deputy minority leader and others on March 16. The report was supposed to be presented to the House before this time”.

In his contribution, the minority leader, Kingsley Chinda urged the House to act swiftly “Rather than allow labour to go on strike”.