Pay outstanding arrears, wrap up negotiations on living wage – Federal workers tell FG

 

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has issued a plea to the federal government, urging the prompt settlement of all pending arrears owed to workers. In addition to this, the forum has implored the government to devise a comprehensive plan for the payment of a cost of living allowance before the close of this month.

Comrade Andrew Emelieze, the National Coordinator of the FWF, communicated these concerns through a statement released to DAILY POST on Wednesday. Emelieze underscored that Nigeria's already challenging economic landscape has been further exacerbated by the recent announcement of the removal of fuel subsidies.

Emelieze emphasized that the withdrawal of fuel subsidy has precipitated a substantial crisis in the cost of living throughout the country. As the third month since the subsidy's elimination unfolds, the nation has witnessed a sharp escalation in the prices of goods and services. Unfortunately, wages have remained stagnant, significantly eroding the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.

In response to these pressing challenges, Emelieze called upon essential stakeholders to take concerted action. The Federal Workers Forum extends its call to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), and the federal government to expedite negotiations surrounding a living wage for Nigerian workers. The forum emphasizes the need for these discussions to culminate in decisive resolutions by the end of September 2023.

The FWF's appeal serves as a reminder of the intertwined challenges facing the country's workforce, as well as the critical role played by negotiations and decisions affecting wages and allowances. As the government grapples with economic complexities, the concerns raised by the FWF highlight the urgency of addressing arrears and implementing measures to alleviate the adverse effects of the fuel subsidy removal on the cost of living for workers across Nigeria.