TUC Tells FG To Increase Workers Pay Now Instead Of Waiting

(Festus Osifo. photo by Punch News)

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has asked the Federal Government to increase the salaries of federal workers right away instead of waiting for the next minimum wage review.

TUC President Festus Osifo said this on Wednesday in Abuja after a meeting of the union's National Administrative Executive Council.

Osifo said the government does not need a new Minimum Wage Act before it can pay workers more.

He explained that the minimum wage is only the lowest pay an employer can give, and nothing stops the government or any employer from paying higher.

He said the government can raise the pay of its lowest paid workers and move the whole salary structure up.

He added that many private companies already pay above the minimum, especially for workers with special skills and bigger responsibilities.

He pointed to banks, food and drink companies, and oil and gas firms, and said their pay is based on the value of the job and not the national minimum wage.

Osifo also said the government can review workers allowances on their own, separate from the minimum wage.

He said the union has already spoken with government officials, including the Minister of Finance and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on ways to improve workers welfare.

He urged the government to act now to ease the burden on workers.