The leadership of the Labour Movement in Osun State has called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to approve the recently announced N35,000 minimum wage for all categories of workers in the state. This demand was conveyed in a letter dated October 6, 2023, and jointly signed by the acting state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Modupe Oyedele, the chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Osun, ‘Bimbo Fasasi, and the chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Lasun Akindele.
In their letter, the labour unions reminded the governor that they had previously written to him in June with their demands for a higher wage, and a reminder was sent in July. They referred to a directive from the NLC and TUC instructing state councils to engage their respective state governments in implementing the agreed-upon N35,000 minimum wage for all workers in the state.
The letter, a copy of which was obtained by Findwhosabi, stated, “The Labour Movement in the state is not in any way in doubt of Your Excellency’s kind disposition towards the workers in the state. We are confident that worker’s welfare is important and very dear to your heart.”
The labour leaders urged Governor Adeleke to approve the new wage, which is set to commence from September 2023, as specified in the signed memorandum of understanding that prevented a proposed strike. They highlighted that such an approval would help alleviate the hardships faced by workers due to the removal of fuel subsidies and its economic consequences.
In response to the request, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, indicated that it may be premature to comment on the matter. He further stated that “the government will definitely invite the labour leaders for negotiation on the issue,” suggesting that discussions between the government and the labour movement are likely to take place in the future.