The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has called on Organized Labour to promptly mobilize and declare a nationwide strike in response to ongoing disputes over the minimum wage and the recent increase in electricity tariffs.
This call to action was made by the National Publicity Secretary of CDWR, Chinedu Bosah.
In a statement, Bosah highlighted that the organized labour movement has been in a deadlock with the government and private sector over the issue of a new minimum wage for over three weeks.
The impasse has persisted, with the government and private sector maintaining a stance on paying N60,000, leading to an indefinite strike that began on June 3, 2024, and was suspended on June 4, 2024.
CDWR has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) to declare and mobilize widely for a 48-hour general strike and mass protest. The group demands a reversal of all anti-poor policies and a minimum wage of no less than N200,000.
Drawing comparisons to recent events in Kenya, the group noted, “The mass protest of mostly young people has just forced the Ruto-led government in Kenya to withdraw the IMF/World Bank-inspired tax increment policy. This example shows that it is also possible for Nigerian working people and youth to force the Tinubu-led government to reverse the prices of petroleum products, electricity tariffs, fee hikes in public schools, and all other neo-liberal capitalist policies. These policies must be reversed to provide immediate relief to most Nigerians.”
CDWR called on the NLC and TUC leadership to mobilize widely for the proposed strike and protest, emphasizing that the recent failures of these organizations to mobilize effectively necessitate grassroots efforts by trade unionists and activists. The group advocates for a campaign that not only builds support for the struggle but also seeks to elect leaders within the trade unions who are committed to their responsibilities.
The group also stressed the importance of adjusting the minimum wage in line with inflation and the rising cost of living, arguing that waiting four or five years for wage adjustments is unacceptable.
“The declaration of the strike may forestall needless long negotiations and ensure wages do not fall behind the inflationary rate and poverty line,” the statement added. CDWR concluded by acknowledging that a serious struggle will be necessary to compel the capitalist elite to agree to and implement these demands, as they will likely attempt to retract any concessions made.
