Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero has cautioned the Trade Union Congress’s rejection of the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 workers transport allowance, noting that the TUC took no part in the negotiations.
Ajaero expressed surprise at the TUC’s opposition, stating that the NLC clearly communicated from the beginning that it was bargaining independently.
Speaking Thursday on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Ajaero emphasized that the TUC did not sign the agreement and argued that the union should not oppose a deal 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 expected the TUC to demand a higher allowance so both unions could negotiate with the government to reach a common consensus.
According to the NLC president, the dispute arose after the TUC president reportedly claimed minimum wage negotiations would occur in August 2027.
He noted that the TUC had previously distanced itself from the process following reports that both labor centers were holding joint meetings with the administration.
Ajaero stated that the NLC rejected the TUC’s stance as unlawful and proceeded with independent negotiations with the government.
Backstory…
Following a Tuesday mediation meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress in Abuja, the government approved a monthly stipend of N70,000 ($50) across all civil service levels for six months, starting in November. Although the agreement covers a six-month duration, it omits both the exact beneficiary count and the total budget allocation.
However, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria rejected the N70,000 workers transport allowance offer.
Instead, the TUC demanded immediate salary increases and the implementation of pending agreements with Joint Health Sector Unions healthcare workers.
Read Also: FG Offers Deal on 70k Workers Transport Allowance, TUC rejects Deal
