In last minute moves to prevent the impending indefinite strike called by Organised Labour, the leadership of the National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, are holding a closed-door meeting with labour leaders and some Ministers at the Senate Wing of the National Assembly.
The meeting, which has in attendance Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Finance Minister, Wale Edun, Information Minister Mohammed Idris and other Ministers, aims to resolve the dispute over the national minimum wage and electricity tariff hike.
Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero emphasised that the union is open to negotiations for a “survival wage,” not a “starvation wage,” for workers.
Meanwhile, president of the Senate Godswill Akpabio cautioned labour leaders to consider the potential “collateral damage” of industrial action, which may lead to massive job losses.
The National Assembly intervened in the deadlock between the federal government and labour unions, acknowledging that both parties have valid reasons for their positions.
The meeting is a last-ditch effort to reach a consensus and avert the strike scheduled to begin on Monday.
EDITOR: TIENABESO BIBIYE
