Labour leaders in Anambra State called on Governor Charles Soludo to utilize the Federal Government’s template for calculating the new minimum wage for workers.
The appeal was made on Friday in Awka during a press briefing focused on the worker’s expectations from the new wage policy.
Aromeh, President of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Anambra Chapter, emphasized the collective request from the organized labour groups, which include the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
He stated, “We are collectively appealing to Soludo, in the interest of workers, to use the chart released by the Federal Government.”
Aromeh highlighted ongoing discussions between labour leaders and the governor regarding the minimum wage issue.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s proposals, particularly concerning the salary adjustments for workers on Grade Levels eight to 17, noting, “Unfortunately, the governor is not getting it right.
We are not happy, especially in the areas that affect salaries for Grade Levels eight to 17; the government’s proposal is nothing to write home about.”
He pointed out that while the state government cites its internally generated revenue as a reason for its stance, available reports indicate that Anambra’s financial situation is more favorable than that of several other states that have successfully adopted the Federal Government’s minimum wage template.
“The Federal Government’s chart must be used and not for the state to adopt a discriminatory package for workers on different grade levels,” Aromeh added.
He raised concerns over the inequity of pay scales, questioning why a worker on Grade Level One, Step One, would earn over N70,000 while a staff member on Grade Level Eight would also receive a similar amount.
“It is wrong.
The real thing should be done,” he asserted.
Aromeh praised Governor Soludo’s rapport with Anambra workers and NULGE but criticized his handling of the minimum wage issue, stating, “He is not protecting the collective interest of the workers.”
He urged the government to adopt the Federal Government’s chart, emphasizing that it should be based on a percentage calculation to ensure fairness across all grade levels.
“Our collective stand is that the normal chart be used, and everything worked out based on percentage,” he said, expressing hope for prompt action given the economic challenges facing workers.
Aromeh concluded by asserting that all workers across the country operate within the same economic environment, arguing that no state should implement a different template from that of the Federal Government.
He warned that if the governor fails to adopt the federal template, the labour groups might be forced to consider alternatives, stating, “We have other options than giving him an ultimatum or going to court because we do not want to bring problems in the state.”
He remained hopeful that the government would recognize the need for adherence to the federal guidelines amidst the ongoing economic hardship in the country.
NAN
