Federal Workers Demand Comprehensive Wage Review

News Investigators/ The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to strengthen collaboration in addressing economic challenges facing workers.

The forum also proposed a comprehensive wage review and reduction in petrol prices to N500 per litre to ease the rising cost of living.

This is contained in a statement jointly signed by Mr Andrew Emelieze, National Coordinator, FWF, and Mr Ayo Ogundele, General Secretary, issued on Monday in Abuja.

The forum said the Federal Government’s agreement to pay N70,000 transport allowance to federal workers highlighted the need for improved remuneration and better welfare packages.

It described the allowance as a welcome development but maintained that more measures were needed to address workers’ financial challenges.

The forum commended the NLC for securing the concession and urged the TUC to support efforts aimed at improving workers’ welfare.

It also appealed to NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, and TUC President, Mr Festus Osifo, to resolve their differences and pursue common interests through constructive engagement.

“The NLC and TUC must not allow themselves to be divided.

“This is the time for labour to demonstrate greater unity against the common enemy, which is hardship,” it said.

The forum urged both labour centres to negotiate an immediate wage review, proposing N300,000 as minimum salary for Grade Level One workers and N1.5 million for Grade Level 17 directors.

It said many federal workers spent at least N5,000 daily on transportation, leaving them with limited resources to meet other essential needs.

According to the forum, inadequate salaries have compelled some workers to seek loans and other financial assistance to cope with increasing living expenses.

It called on the Federal Government to ensure full implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, consequential adjustments and payment of outstanding entitlements.

These include 28 months of peculiar allowance arrears and outstanding promotion arrears, which the forum said required urgent attention.

The forum expressed concern over reports that only six months of the 28-month peculiar allowance arrears would be paid.

It also advocated reduced prices of petrol, kerosene, diesel and cooking gas to N500, saying transport allowance alone could not adequately address economic difficulties.

“The transport allowance alone is not enough.

“Workers, pensioners, unemployed Nigerians and the wider population have suffered enough under the prevailing economic conditions,” it said.

The forum urged the Federal Government to engage relevant stakeholders and address the demands to prevent further economic difficulties.

It said failure to reach an agreement could result in nationwide strikes, protests and rallies from Dec. 1.

The forum called on workers, youths, students and civil society organisations to support efforts towards improved wages and better living conditions.