By Joy Ude
The Vanguard for Transparent Leadership and Democracy(VATLAD), on Thursday said that the N500,000 minimum wage demanded for workers was unrealistic, questioning the possibility in the face of the economic downturn in the country.
Engr Igbini Emmanuel, the National President of the group, disclosed this in a statement issued to Newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Emmanuel said that the group had monitored closely the ongoing negotiation between Nigerian Organised Labour Unions represented by NLC and TUC,the Federal government and the Organised Private Sector over new Minimum Wage.
He said that the group had also heard the threat issued by the labour unions to once again embark on nationwide strike action if their demand of N500,000 minimum wage not agreed by the federal government and organized private sectors who are employers of labour.
“We are not surprised though disappointed, to note that as at their last meeting, the federal government increased their Offer by N30,000 to N60000 while labour unions responded by correspondingly decreasing their demand by N30,000 to N497000 while both parties continue to waste public funds in paying for the luxury hotel venue for their negotiation.
“We do not object to the demand by the labour unions for a minimum wage of N500,000 or more given the economic calamity that Nigerian workers and Nigerians in general are now subjected to as a result of policies and actions of governments.
“Where the value of our naira has witnessed a hopeless crash and salaries are not even enough for daily cost of transportation to work and provision of basic needs for the family,
“We however ask the question: where will the money come from for payment of this minimum wage demanded by labour unions if federal government accedes to it?
“This is unpopular but very critical question that must be answered by the labour unions given the fact that over 90% of total revenue that accrue to Nigeria comes from the Upstream Petroleum Sector that has for many years witnessed unprecedented level of massive looting,
“Mismanagement, corruption, crude oil thefts and unethical practices reportedly perpetuated or aided by some top level employees of the companies operating in oil sectors,”the group asked.
The group demands that labour unions should take up their responsibility as Co-managers and focus more on advising the federal government to repair the four refineries for immediate operation or embark on immediate takeover and management.
The group also advised labour unions to embark on exposing workers of the International Oil Companies, NNPCL and others operating in the Upstream Petroleum Sectors that sabotage the economy of the country.
They urged labour unions to stop forwith, deduction of union dues from workers whose salaries can’t guarantee basic needs.
“Labour should compel the federal and state governments to embark on massive direct farming and establishment of agriculture board to lower prices of farm produces.
“Federal government should address insecurity that scares farmers away from their farms and provide good and motorable roads.
“In the interim, the federal government and employers of organised labour should agree on monthly wage awards to workers for the period of this economic hardship,”the group said