As the nationwide indefinite strike declared by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) took effect, several unions across the country have shut down their workplaces in compliance with the directive.
The strike was announced on Friday by the organised labour due to the Federal Government's refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage from N60,000. President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, stated that the strike commenced at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
The demands of the unions include the finalization and passing of a new National Minimum Wage Act into law, as well as the reversal of the increase in electricity tariff to N65/kWh.
Despite negotiations between organised labour and the Federal Government, talks broke down on Tuesday after both parties presented their offers. While the government increased its initial offer to N60,000, labour's proposal was reduced to N494,000 from N497,000.
Numerous unions have joined the strike action, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, National Union of Electricity Employees, and National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, among others.
Aviation unions also directed their members to withdraw services across airports in Nigeria, leading to the complete shutdown of all services at Nigerian airports until further notice.
The extensive list of unions participating in the strike underscores the widespread support for the labour movement's demands and the significant impact the strike is having on various sectors across the country.
