NLC tackles TUC over opposition to N70,000 transport allowance deal

Photo of Joe Ajaero, Nigeria Labour Congress President

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has questioned the Trade Union Congress’ rejection of the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 transport allowance, saying the union was not involved in negotiations with the government.

Ajaero said the NLC had made it clear from the beginning that it was negotiating independently of the TUC, making the latter’s opposition to the outcome surprising.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Thursday, Ajaero said the TUC did not sign the agreement and argued that the union should not oppose an arrangement it did not negotiate.

“Why is TUC challenging what was gotten for the workers when we stated clearly that NLC was acting alone?” Ajaero asked.

“The agreement was not signed by TUC, and you don’t kick against something that you didn’t negotiate, you never asked for,” he added.

He added that he would have preferred the TUC to demand a higher allowance so that both unions could negotiate with the government towards a common position.

“I would have preferred a situation whereby if NLC was asking for one naira, TUC would be asking for 10 naira, and probably the government would harmonise it,” Ajaero said.

The NLC president recalled that the disagreement began after the TUC president reportedly said the minimum wage would be due for negotiation in August 2027.

Ajaero said the NLC disagreed with that position, insisting that it was inconsistent with the law, and proceeded with its own engagement with the government.

He said the TUC had also distanced itself from the process after reports emerged that both labour centres were jointly meeting with the government.

“When we started the first meeting, the media reported that NLC and TUC had a meeting. They threatened us and said they are not part of it,” he said.

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Ajaero added that the NLC subsequently issued a statement clarifying that it was acting alone in the negotiations.

“We came out with a statement that NLC is on this alone; we are not with TUC. So I would be surprised why TUC would be challenging what was gotten for the workers,” he said.

On calls for a wage increase, Ajaero argued that such an adjustment could not be granted without a formal process involving the relevant stakeholders.

“Does the government dash wage increase? There must be a process put in place,” he said.

He noted that the same TUC had called for the process to begin in August 2027, adding that the NLC had advocated that the relevant committee commence work immediately.

Ajaero said he remained concerned about the TUC’s position on the transport allowance, questioning why the union would reject an arrangement it had not negotiated or secured.

“I have been worried for some time now, why you say you reject something that was not given to you,” he said.

PUNCH Online reported that the TUC had rejected the proposed ₦70,000 wage award and demanded an immediate salary increase for workers.

It said temporary wage awards are inadequate to address the economic hardship facing Nigerian workers, insisting the Federal Government should implement a salary increase instead.

The congress stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N.A. Toro, the congress said

The TUC also accused the Federal Government of failing to fulfil its 2023 wage award obligations to some workers and of neglecting a seven-month-old agreement on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions.