Labour Party canvasses increase in minimum wage

• FCT minister urges collaboration to drive ERGP

The Labour Party (LP) has urged the Federal Government to increase workers minimum wage to improve their conditions.National Chairman of the party Dr. Mike Omotosho made the appeal yesterday in a statement by his Special Media Adviser, Innocent Odoh.He stressed that the LP would not renege on its core mandate to protect the workers’ interest.

Omotosho lamented that the existing N18, 000 workers minimum wage was no longer feasible. He urged the workers not to be deterred by the huge challenges facing them, particularly under the current economic dispensation.

According to him, they would have better days ahead, if the party wins in the 2019 elections.The party also condemned the attempts being made by the Federal Government to divide the labour unions to force them to submit to anti-people policies.He said the Nigerian workers have committed their energy, time and treasure in toiling every day to eke out a living.

He expressed concern that the wealth that is supposed to accrue to them from their enormous sufferings has not been commensurate due to the poor wages.He also cited poor job conditions, inadequate infrastructure and exploitative attitude of business owners. He added that the LP is imbued with new ideas, new propositions and the spirit to lead the workers and the Nigerian people to the 2019 elections.

Omotosho pledged that the party would lead a movement to ensure that workers get the desired pay rise.The statement reads: “As the party of the working masses and the embodiment of their values, principles and aspirations, the LP felicitates with your courage and forward-looking posture, even in the most unfriendly working circumstances.”

The party enjoined all workers to join hands with it to rebrand their working conditions and bring the required benefits.Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) used the occasion to appeal to labour to partner government for the successful implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.He made the appeal in a statement in Abuja yesterday.

Bello said the theme of the 2018 workers day: “The role of labour in national development: Dare to struggle; dare to win,” is indeed very apt in reflecting national development.He reminded the workers about ongoing efforts to review the salaries and wages of the workers.

Bello stressed that the concern is in recognition of worker’s contributions to national development.He added that labour has a pivotal role to play in rebuilding and restoring the country’s declining fortunes. The minister expressed the high hope that labour’s support would be useful in meeting the objectives of the plan.These include: to diversify the economy, grow skills, create wealth, expand infrastructures create jobs and ensure food security.