Rita Odafe
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress has emphasized that the N35,000 wage award in the state is distinct from the N70,000 minimum wage sanctioned by the federal government.
State NLC Chairman, Funmi Sessi, disclosed this information on Friday.
Sessi explained that the clarification became necessary following assertions by a certain commission that the state was already exceeding the prescribed N70,000 minimum wage for its employees.
The union is advocating for a new wage structure starting from the approved N70,000 to be developed to encompass various levels and salary grades of all worker categories in the state’s public service, including all related allowances.
As a result, the union urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to establish a wage committee to facilitate the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for all public servants in the state.
The NLC appraised Governor Sanwo-Olu for demonstrating a commitment to employee welfare by being the first to implement the N35,000 wage award relief for public servants in the country.
However, the union pointed out that regarding the N35,000 palliative wage award as part of the actual earned income in the state is inaccurate because the award does not encompass the allowances.
The union also encouraged private sector employers to comply with the legal provisions governing the newly approved minimum wage in the country.
Emphasizing that worker welfare is crucial as they are the backbone of any business, the union stressed the need for government agencies responsible for ensuring compliance to be proactive and resolute.
