The federal government has attributed the delay in the implementation of the N30,000 new minimum wage to the unrealistic demand by Labour Unions.
This was made know by the Chairman, National Salaries, Income and W Commission (NSIWC), Chief Richard Egbule, in an interview with the News Agency of (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.
“Labour is asking for consequential adjustment government in its wisdom had made budgetary for an adjustment of N10, 000 across board for already earning above N30, 000 per month.
“However, the Unions have refused this offer, sa because the increase in minimum wage from 1 N30, 000 was 66 per cent, therefore they want 6 percent increment across board.
“We told them that the minimum wage was not from N18, 000 to N30, 000 through percentage i but as a result of consideration of economic fa including ability to pay.
“However, we said that if they want consequenti adjustments in percentage terms, we will use a percentage that when applied will not exceed w been provided for in the budget.
“The computation based on percentage which government had given to labour, was 9.5 per ce level 7 to 14 including level 1-6 of those salary structures that did not benefit from the minimu
“And then five percent from level 15 to 17. Labo countered the offer and proposed 30 per cent in for level 7 to 14 and 25 per cent for level 15 to
“One point we keep repeating is, it will be unfair because you gave the person earning minimum N12, 000, you give a level 17 officer almost N10 you apply 25 percent,’’ he said.
He advised labour to come to a compromise to cpensate government for increasing the minimum wage without any threat of down.
“Labour is currently stretching out and eating u time that people could have used in benefiting f adjustment because the new minimum wage w implemented since April.
“My advice is for labour to accept the terms for prepare to fight for the harmonization of salarie coming up. Harmonization of salaries will take this issue.
“The committee has already been formed and a inauguration. I want them (labour) to know this liberate us from this unnecessary log jam”.
