The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, has addressed the controversial topic of governors setting minimum wages based on state revenue. He contended that this method would be incompatible with senators’ fixed salaries, which are set independent of the economic standing of their home states. Ajaero emphasized the significance of having a cohesive national pay structure viewpoint.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
In an interview with TVC, Ajaero highlighted that senators from poorer states earn the same as those from wealthier states without any deregulation. He questioned the logic of allowing state-based minimum wage variations, emphasizing the need for a consistent national policy.
Ajaero argued that the focus should be on what is best for the country as a whole rather than implementing disparate salary structures. He underscored the importance of maintaining a unified wage policy to ensure equity and fairness across all states.
Addressing the concerns of the organized private sector regarding the proposed minimum wage, Ajaero acknowledged the perennial challenges in implementing agreed wages. He noted that employers frequently resist wage increases, even when agreements have been reached.
Ajaero pointed out that the private sector has consistently expressed reluctance to pay agreed wages, citing various challenges. He also noted that while the removal of subsidies has increased the cost of doing business, it has not necessarily translated into fair wages for workers. Ajaero called for a balanced approach to wage policy that considers the economic realities faced by both employers and employees. He emphasized that while the private sector faces challenges, it also has opportunities to adjust product margins to accommodate fair wages.
Hear him: ”On the issue of governors paying whatever they like to Workers based on their revenue. Senators that come from states that are poor are earning the same amount with other senators. So do we now deregulate it so that senators from states that don’t have money will earn maybe N50,000, those that have money will earn maybe N100,000. I don’t think that is the right way to look at the matter, we need to look at it and see what is the best for the country. I’m not sure that the organized private sector are the worst employers in terms of implementing the previous minimum wage. However, they have other challenges With regards to the ease of doing business. Even the removal of subsidy increased the cost of doing business but relatively speaking, they were equally increasing the margin of their product. What was sold at 10,000 before now is being sold for N30,000.”CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>