Minimun Wage, Maximum Problem
Our sliding economy can’t cope with the persistent strike by organised labour over their demand for a new minimum wage. Last month, the nation’s economy suffered greatly during the warning strike that lasted four days. Labour is again threatening to embark on a fresh nationwide strike from November 6. I get confused whenever labour says that government is unwilling to implement a new minimum wage for workers. So, the federal government should arbitrarily decree a new minimum wage for all levels of government and the private sector? It is obvious that there was no agreement by the tripartite committee involved in the negotiation for the new wage. For example, the Nigeria Governors Forum had openly stated that many states lack the capacity to pay the new wage proposed by labour.
I am not in support of the current miserable minimum wage. I am just opposed to persistent strike as the only option for eliciting positive response. So, labour should intensify the negotiation instead of threaten- ing the rest of the country with strike. The masses of our people suffer the most when it happens. This country does not deserve this kind of punishment at a critical period when our economy lays prostrate. Millions of Nigerians have lost their jobs, while industries are gasping for breath; yet, labour keeps talking about going on strike. Labour should also learn to sponsor/endorse candidates capable of improving the wellbeing of the working class.
On the flip side, I have never been a fan of the retention of minimum wage in the Exclusive list of our constitution. Our lawmakers should work towards moving it to the concurrent list or delete it from our constitution, else this crisis will persist. All levels of government and the private sector should be allowed to determine their minimum wage. It does not make sense for a state like Ekiti, to be compelled to pay the same minimum wage with a buoyant state like Lagos. It is just nonsense. This is one big issue our lawmakers must tackle during the next round of constitution amendment.