Division, Frustration, Anger, Knocks and commendation among, CSOs, Workers As NLC, TUC suspend Already mobilised Protest and strike.

 

The decision of the leadership of the Nigeria Labour movement to suspend its planned protest and strike, just hours before the action is generating anger and suspicion of foul play

Organised Labour I.e Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and Trade Union Congress(TUC) took the decision early hours of monday, September 28th and the Banquet hall of the presidential villa after several hours of meeting.

The Nigerian government suggested a two weeks suspension of the new electricity tariff and to set up a committee to review the process, which labour agreed with.

Also the Nigerian government set up a steering committee on the deregulation of the petroleum downstream to ascertain the Nation's refineries are fixed to reduce importation, but the hike in the PMS was not reduced, but organised labour also agreed.

All these and more contained in a communique signed by both the government and labour and read out by the conciliatory of the meeting, minister of labour and employment, sen. Dr. Chris Ngige.

First to commend the decision reached is the national secretary of the coalition of civil society Citizen's action against COVID-19 (CCSCAAC)  Victor Itsede

Itsede said the nation cannot afford to pay few companies huge monies running into trillions of naira in the name of subsidy on petroleum products. "...We must begin to invest on the real sector. Agriculture investment should be deliberate. If we do this we can raise millions of Nigerians out of poverty..."

Itsede continues his that "...this should be the real massage that needs to spread accrosa the country, because most of the gullible people are made to believe that the recent action of the full deregulation and sudden increase in tariffs is a wrong action. So we need to come out and educate the populace about this noble action taken by the Government that has a very good impact in the near future..."

Unfortunately CCSCAAC appears to be alone on this turf as the agreement reached between government and labour has not gone down well with several members.

 In Cross RIVER  state for example ,the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have described the suspension of the plan to hold a nationwide protest and strike as shameful following workers readiness for a showdown.

Ben Ukpebi is NLC Cross River state chairman and Monday Ogbodum, is the TUC Cross River State Chairman, who vented their frustration in calabar the state capital said the move by the organised labour's leadership has successfully given credence to the insensitivity of government.

On the streets of Jo's, the plateau state capital some residents say they no longer have confidence in leadership of the NLC and TUC following the suspension of monday's strike .

Meanwhile the story is slightly different in Kwara state north central Nigeria as organised labour in the State worried less about the decision of their national leaders and has gone ahead to issue a 14-day strike notice to the State Government for non-implementation of the thirty (30) thousand naira National Minimum wage

Issa Ore is Kwara State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who made the announcement in Ilorin at the end of a congress meeting of the chapter.

Find below the FG/LABOUR MEETING COMMUNIQUE:

JOINT COMMUNIQUE ON THE RESOLUTION OF TRADE DISPUTE BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA (FGN) AND THE ORGANIZED LABOUR REPRESENTED BY THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) AND THE TRADE UNION CONGRESS (TUC) HELD AT THE STATE HOUSE BANQUET HALL ON SUNDAY, 27TH SEPTEMBER 2020

A Bipartite Meeting between the FGN and the two Labour Centres  Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC),

Having been convened at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja to discuss emerging labour issues arising from recent cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry,

Recognizing the public outcry and protest over the recent Federal Government twin policies on Electricity Tariff Reform and full implementation of deregulation of the downstream sector of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry resulting in the planned nation-wide industrial action by Organised Labour,

Bearing in mind the spiral and negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on world economy,

Further bearing in mind that due to impact of COVID-19 pandemic the world is undergoing socio-economic transition which has affected price stability, sustainability of enterprises, employment, and other socio-economic indices,

Acknowledging that the spiral and negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy has given rise to the need for a new socio-economic order,

Recognising the need to sustain enterprises for retention and creation of jobs as well as sustainable growth and development,

Acknowledging the need for social concertation between the Federal Government and workers representatives, namely the two Labour Centres  The NLC and TUC,

To aid in the dialogue and communication, the Federal Government side made presentations to show the state of economy and the drive behind the recent cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry,

Bipartite meeting to address and resolve the issues in dispute between the FG and Labour Centres were held on September 15, 24, and 27, 2020,

After exhaustive deliberations on the issues raised by Labour Centres, the FGN stated that it has fashioned out palliatives that would ameliorate the sufferings that Nigerian workers may experience as a result of the cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry. The palliatives will be in the areas of transport, power, housing, agriculture and humanitarian support.

After thorough debates and negotiations on various issues raised by all parties, the following resolutions were reached and mutually adopted: 

ELECTRICITY TARIFF REFORMS

The parties agreed to set up a Technical Committee comprising Ministries, Departments, Agencies, NLC and TUC, which will work for a duration of two (2) weeks effective Monday 28th September 2020, to examine:

the justifications for the new policy in view of the need for the validation of the basis for the new cost reflective tariff as a result of the conflicting information from the fields which appeared different from the data presented to justify the new policy by NERC;

metering deployment, challenges, timeline for massive roll  out.

The Technical Committee membership is as follows:

Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN – Hon. Minister of State Labour & Employment - Chairman

Mr Godwin Jedy-Agba – Hon. Minister of State Power  Member

Prof. James Momoh - Chairman National Electricity Regulatory Commission  Member

Engr. Ahmad Rufai Zakari - SA to Mr. President on Infrastructure  Member/Secretary

Dr. OnohoOmhen Ebhohimhen  Member (NLC)

Comrade Joe Ajaero  Member (NLC)

Comrade Chris Okonkwo  Member (TUC)

1no. Representative of DISCOS - Member

The Terms of Reference (ToR) are as follows:

To examine the justification for the new policy on cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments.

To look at the different Electricity Distribution Company (DISCOs) and their different electricity tariff vis-à-vis NERC order and mandate.

Examine and advise Government on the issues that have hindered the deployment of the six million meters.

To look into the NERC Act under review with a view to expanding its representation to include organized labour.

The Technical sub - committee is to submit its report within two (2) weeks. During the two weeks, the DISCOs shall suspend the application of the cost - reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments.

The meeting also resolved that the following issues of concern to Labour should be treated as stand  alone items:

The 40% stake of Government in the DISCO and the stake of workers to be reflected in the composition of the DISCOs Boards.

An all-inclusive and independent review of the power sector operations as provided in the privatization MOU to be undertaken before the end of the year 2020, with Labour represented.

That going forward, the moribund National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) be inaugurated before the end of the year 2020 to institutionalize the process of tripartism and socio dialogue on socio  economic and major labour matters to forestall crisis 

DOWNSTREAM SECTOR DEREGULATION

Consequent upon the critical review of the various challenges of the downstream sector of the Nigeria oil and gas industry vis a vis the incalculable losses associated with a subsidy regime the Country has been incurring in terms of, stifled growth in the downstream sector, diminished human capital development and massive financial leakages and flight. This is in addition to the dire financial circumstances of the Federation that precludes any ability to sustain any subsidy on PMS and making deregulation of PMS inevitable. Consequently, the Parties agreed to the following:

All parties agreed on the urgency for increasing the local refining capacity of the nation to reduce the overdependency on importation of petroleum products to ensure energy security, reduce cost of finished products, increase employment and business opportunities for Nigerians.

To address (1) above, NNPC to expedite the rehabilitation of the nations four refineries located in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna and to achieve 50% completion for Port Harcourt by December 2021, while timelines and delivery for Warri and Kaduna will be established by the inclusive Steering Committee.

To ensure Commitment and transparency to the processes and timelines of the rehabilitation exercise, the management of NNPC has offered to integrate the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) into the Steering Committee already established by the Corporation.

A Validation team comprising the representatives of the NNPC, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), NUPENG and PENGASSAN will be established to monitor progress of the rehabilitation of the refineries and the pipelines/strategic depots network and advice the Steering Committee periodically.

Post rehabilitation, NNPC shall involve the PENGASSAN and NUPENG in the process of establishing the operational model of the Nations refineries.

The Federal Government will facilitate the delivery of licensed modular and regular refineries, involvement of upstream companies in petroleum refining and establishing framework for financing in the downstream sector.

NNPC to expedite work on the Build Operate and Transfer framework for the nations pipelines and strategic depots network for efficient transportation and distribution of Petroleum products to match the delivery timelines of the refineries as agreed.

The Federal Government and its agencies to ensure delivery of 1 million CNG/LPG AutoGas conversion kits, storage skids and dispensing units under the Nigeria Gas Expansion Programme by December 2021 to enable delivery of cheaper transportation and power fuel. A Governance Structure that will include representatives of organized Labour shall be established for timely delivery.

GENERAL INTERVENTION

To cushion the impacts of the downstream sector deregulation and tariffs adjustment in the power sector, the Federal Government will implement the following:

A specific amount to be unveiled by the FGN in two weeks time will be isolated from the Economic Sustainability Programme Intervention Fund and be accessed by Nigerian Workers with subsequent provision for 240,000 under the auspices of NLC and TUC for participation in agricultural ventures through the CBN and the Ministry of Agriculture. The timeline will be fixed at the next meeting. 

Federal Government will facilitate the removal of tax on minimum wage as a way of cushioning the impacts of the policy on the lowest vulnerable.

Federal Government will make available to organized labour 133 CNG/LPG driven mass transit buses immediately and provide to the major cities across the Country on a scale up basis thereafter to all States and Local Governments before December 2021.

Housing: 10% be allocated to Nigerian workers under the ongoing Ministry of Housing and Finance initiative through the NLC and TUC.

Consequently, the NLC and TUC agreed to suspend the planned industrial action.

ORGANISED LABOUR;

___________________                                                                    __________________

Ayuba  Wabba, mni                                                                                     Quadri Olalaye

NLC PRESIDENT                                                                                            TUC PRESIDENT

                                                                                                                        

_________________                                                               __________________

Emmanuel Ugboaja                                                                               Musa Lawal Ozigi, mni                                                                                             Secretary General NLC                                                                         Secretary General TUC

_________________                  __________________  

Williams E. Akporeha       Festus Osifo         

NUPENG President PENGASSAN President

___________________           __________________   

Martin Uzoegwu      Chris N. Okonkwo

President NUEE      President, SSAEAC

 

FOR GOVERNMENT:

__________________                                                             _______________________

Timipre Sylva                                                                                     Festus Keyamo, SAN

Hon. Min. of State Petroleum     Hon. Min. of State Labour & Employment                                                              

  __________________ _____________________  

Alh Lai Mohammed                                                                            Godwin Jedy-Agba      

Hon. Min. of Information & Culture                                          Hon. Min. of State Power                            

                                                                                                                        

                                            

                                                   _________________________

                                         Sen. (Dr.) Chris Nwabueze Ngige, OON, MD.

                                         Honourable Minister of Labour & Employment

                                        

_______________________________

                                                          Boss Mustapha

                                     Secretary to the Government of the Federation

MINIMUM WAGE: Spain's new government raises minimum wage

Spain's new Socialist government under Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday brokered an accord with unions and bosses lifting the minimum wage 5.5 percent or €59.8 euros to €1,108 ($1,230) gross a month.

Spain's new Socialist government under Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday brokered an accord with unions and bosses lifting the minimum wage 5.5 percent or €59.8 euros to €1,108 euros ($1,230) gross a month.

"We have reached agreement to lift the minimum wage this year," said labour minister Yolanda Diaz, hailing a "very happy day for democracy in this country and for all workers."

The cabinet is due to approve the measure within days upon which the rise will take immediate effect and be backdated to the start of January 2020.

Sanchez' new administration, which has the support of radical leftist party Podemos, has also announced a 0.9 percent increase in pensions and a 2.0 percent increase in wages of civil servants.   

While unions saluted the minimum wage rise the president of the Confederation of Employers' Organizations, Antonio Garamendi, admitted that "we would have liked (the rise) to be a little lower," even if the figure agreed was below an initially mooted €1,167.   

The agreement was that the minimum wage would be set at €950 a month, payable in 14 installments to allow for the double monthly salary in July and December, a Spanish tradition that ensures there is enough funds to allow a holiday and celebrate Christmas. 

The latest rise comes on the back of Sanchez's pushing through of an unparalleled 22 percent hike last year.

The government has pledged over the coming four years to lift the level to 60 percent of the current average salary of €1,970  -- which would be currently €1,182.

Speaking at the Davos forum earlier, Sanchez said his government would still pursue "fiscal rigour" in targeting cutting the national deficit and public debt.

Spain's move comes weeks after Britain's conservative government pledged to increase the minimum wage by more than four times the rate of UK inflation from next year despite a warning by the British Chambers of Commerce that above-inflation pay increases could hit business amid economic uncertainty with Brexit days away.

SOURCE: The Local/AFP

news@thelocal.es
@thelocalspain

MINIMUM WAGE: Plateau Govt., Labour Disagree

Organised Labour and the Plateau State Government are yet to reach an agreement on payment of the N30, 000 new national minimum wage.

Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, James Diwa told AIT that a meeting held between the State Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress in the State ended in a stalemate.

Since the turn of the New Year 2020, civil servants across the country have had high hopes that the much talked about N30, 000 minimum wage issue will be laid to rest following assurances by the federal and state governments.

While approval has been given for the payment in some states, the case in Plateau State is different as the State Government and Organised Labour are yet to reach an agreement.

Diwa said the only headway made on the discussion, is the N30, 000 minimum wage as it affects Grade Level 1 to 6.

The bone of contention, is the consequential adjustment for Grade Level 7 and above offered by the State Government, which the Labour unions have rejected.

The situation no doubt leaves a lot to be desired with strike as the only option left for the Labour unions if their demands are not met by the January 31 deadline given to state governments by the national secretariats of the Labour movement to conclude negotiations and begin payment across all grade levels.

Source: AITNEWS

Group to propose increase in minimum wage

Workers assemble parts at Foster Electric Thilawa in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone on the outskirt of Yangon, in August 2019. Photo: EPA

According to post by Myanmar times, Labour organisations will propose an increase in the country’s minimum wage when the National Committee for Minimum Wage holds meeting later in the year.

The Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM) has conducted a survey on the cost of living and the cost of health of a worker in Yangon, Bago, Mandalay, Magwe and Sagaing regions and Shan and Kayin states.

U Win Zaw, a central committee of the workers’ group, said they are inclined to propose K7200 (US$4.93) for eight hours work or K900 per hour work.

At present, the minimum wage is set at K4800 for eight hours of work despite opposition from labour groups. The current wage is up for review in May this year.

“We have received recommendations from CTUM, labour activists and other federations that the minimum wage should be raised,” U Win Zaw told The Myanmar Times.

The National Committee for Minimum Wage is comprised of 27 representatives from the government, workers, and employers. The committee is tasked to review the country’s minimum wage every two years.

The current minimum wage was approved in May 2018 so it is up for review starting in May this year.

The committee will deliberate on the issue and will have to announce the agreement within 60 days. If no objection is raised to the agreement, it will be confirmed on the day the directive is issued by the Union government.

U Thet Hnin Aung, general secretary of the Myanmar Industries Craft & Services Trade Unions Federation (MICS), said his group is also conducting its own survey and would not want to comment on the labour group’s plan.

"We are still doing surveys. We are thinking of ways to control the rising commodity prices, rather than asking for a raise in the minimum wage," he said.

“It's not certain if the set minimum wage for the entire country would be reset depending on types of businesses or different states and regions,” he added. “It's hard to show support for setting the same rate for the entire country. The committee meeting will focus on setting a reasonable rate and resetting depending on the types of businesses.” -Translated

MINIMUM WAGE: Almost 37,000 Scotland workers are paid less than the statutory

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

Watchdogs have called for a minimum wage "legal reality" as figures show 37,000 people in Scotland were paid less than the statutory rate last year.

(BBC) Data from Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) also revealed that employers across the UK owed about £6,500 on average in unpaid arrears to workers.

The analysis is of the Scottish working-age population as a percentage of the total UK working age-population.

CAS chiefs say the figures are "unacceptable".

The analysis suggests 36,876 workers were potentially paid less than the minimum wage in Scotland last year.

A UK government spokesman said: "The government is determined that everyone who is entitled to the national minimum wage receives it.

"All businesses, irrespective of size or business sector are responsible for paying the correct minimum wage to their staff. HMRC won't hesitate to take action to ensure that workers receive what they are legally entitled to.

"In 2018/19, HMRC completed over 3,000 investigations, identifying over £24.4m for more than 220,000 workers.

"Consequences for not complying with paying national minimum wage can include fines of 200% of the arrears, and, for the worst offences, criminal prosecution."

'Wake-up call'

CAS social justice spokeswoman Mhoraig Green said it was "just the tip of the iceberg".

She added: "Many more in the informal economy won't be identified in these numbers.

"This should act as a wake-up call to our new government to ensure that 2020 is the year the minimum wage must become a legal reality.

"The current minimum wage rates are not sufficient to enable many people to live above poverty levels, even when they are paid in full."

Advice around employment is the third biggest issue for advice in the Citizens Advice network in Scotland.

Staff issued 43,000 pieces of work-related advice in 2018/19, with 12,000 thousand pieces of advice on pay and entitlements.

'It is the law'

Earlier this year, the charity ran an awareness campaign to boost young people's knowledge about their rights at work.

It is backing a new body to have the powers to investigate national minimum wage breaches along with allowing workers to confidentially report matters involving maternity, holiday, sickness, pay, dismissal, redundancy and other rights.

Ms Green said CAS regularly sees people who are paid illegally-low rates by employers or who have been refused holiday pay, which every worker is entitled to.

She added: "The figures we publish today are simply unacceptable. Employers need to understand that paying the statutory minimum wage rate for their workers is not optional. It is the law."

Scotland's minister for business, fair work and skills, Jamie Hepburn, said the UK government should do more to ensure employers "comply with their obligations".

He said: "The Scottish government supports the payment of the real living wage of £9.30 per hour as a minimum rate for all workers over the age of 18.

"Meanwhile, we will continue to encourage every organisation, regardless of size, sector or location to ensure all staff receive a fair day's pay for a fair day's work as part of our progressive Scottish Fair Work approach."