In a bid to avert a nationwide strike, the House of Representatives says it would meet with representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress to convince them to shelve its planned strike over minimum wage.
The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu who presided over plenary on Thursday 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
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 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.
In his contribution, the minority leader, Kingsley Chinda urged the House to act swiftly “Rather than allow labour to go on strike.”
Minimum wage: Lawmakers To Meet With Labour To Avert Industrial Action
