In a striking interview on Monday, during the nationwide strike declared by the National Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Bamgbose Betty, former Treasurer of the NLC and current chairman of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, didn’t hold back her criticism of the government’s handling of minimum wage negotiations.
What They Are Saying
Speaking outside the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital laboratory, Betty expressed her frustration, saying, “Why is the federal government dragging its feet? One day it’s 200, the next it’s 300, and then 500. It’s a never-ending saga. Enough is enough.”
Betty had a bold suggestion for the Senate and other high-ranking officials: tie their salaries to the proposed minimum wage. “If they want to understand our pain, let them live on the minimum wage. Let’s see how they cope,” she challenged, hinting at the severe disconnect between lawmakers and the working class.
Amid the ongoing national strike, which began at midnight on Sunday, June 2, 2024, Betty highlighted the severe economic hardships faced by workers. “People’s salaries vanish within days. The suffering is unbearable,” she lamented.
Despite the strike, Betty noted that essential medical and health services were still being provided, acknowledging, “We’re maintaining our essential duties, but for all other services, we’re asking workers to stay home.”
Why It Matters
The strike, driven by the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000, has intensified after talks broke down on Tuesday. The NLC and TUC had issued a May 31 ultimatum for a new minimum wage, but negotiations failed, leading to this drastic action.
Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, and Festus Osifo of the TUC, issued a joint statement expressing their profound disappointment with the government’s inaction. They demanded not only a new National Minimum Wage Act but also a reversal of the electricity tariff hike to N65/kWh.
Bottom Line
The message from the unions is clear: they’re fed up with endless delays and empty promises. And as the strike continues, the pressure mounts on the government to finally address the workers’ demands.
