The House of Representatives has attacked organised labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, for feeding the public about what it described as “fake earnings” of its members.
Jerrymusa.com reports that the attempt was made to stoke public resentment against the lawmakers and undermine the credibility of the legislature.
It warned that such acts could stoke public resentment against lawmakers and undermine the legislature’s credibility, calling for the actors sabotaging the nation’s economy to be brought to justice.
Labour Recent Industrial Action
The House of Representatives also express concern over the recent strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which aimed to pressure the government to increase the national minimum wage.
The House supports improved wages and working conditions but cautions against exceeding what the economy can sustain, potentially leading to inflation and unemployment.
It condemns the shutdown of critical infrastructure during the strike, labeling it economic sabotage, and urges the union leadership to engage in honest dialogue and return to negotiations for a balanced outcome.
The House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, signed the statement, which emphasizes the importance of approaching this issue with caution to ensure long-term stability and prosperity for all Nigerians.
The statement addresses misinformation spread by organized Labour regarding lawmakers’ earnings, aimed at stoking public resentment and undermining the legislature’s credibility.
It calls for accountability for those responsible for economic sabotage and urges the union leadership to prioritize the well-being of ordinary citizens. The House reaffirms its commitment to engaging stakeholders to resolve issues in the best interest of Nigerians.
The House made this known in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, on Tuesday.
The statement read, “The House of Representatives acknowledges the recent industrial action undertaken by the NLC and the TUC due to the breakdown in negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
“The People’s House is pleased to note that the strike action has been suspended for one week to allow for further negotiation.
“During this period, as we have previously demonstrated, the People’s House remains responsive and committed to actively engaging all stakeholders to resolve the issues in the best interest of Nigerians.
“House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has consistently advocated a living wage and better working conditions for workers.
“At various fora, he has emphasised the importance of addressing key national priorities, including the state of the economy and insecurity, through legislative action.
“While the Green Chamber is in full support of the call for improved wages and working conditions, there is a great need to exercise caution in increasing the minimum wage beyond what our economy can sustain to avoid unintended outcomes such as inflation, layoffs, and other adverse economic consequences.
“Thus, we restate the importance of approaching this issue from a balanced perspective to ensure long-term stability and prosperity for all.
“In the same vein, we observed with concern the direction of the strike action before its suspension and what it portends for the future.”