The Christian Conscience a non-denominational Christian group has pleaded with the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to be considerate in its demand for minimum wage from the federal government.
The group made the plea in a statement made available by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Tunji Oguntuase.
According to the statement, the decision to plead with the organised labour union was taken at its monthly executive meeting in Lagos on Monday, May 21,
The statement notes that the group’s Chairperson Dr. Mrs Yetunde Akinluyi and the General Secretary, Revd. Dr Kolawole Verrals both signed the document asking the NLC to be considerate in its demands.
The statement reads, “Though the organized labour unions are making genuine demands on behalf of workers, such demand must be realistic and in tune with our fragile economy. Labour unions must realise the multiple effects of inflation that will later affect the common people they are fighting for.”
While claiming to have followed with keen interest the drama that has trailed the demand for a living wage, the group suggests and urges both the federal government and labour union to make sincerity, the main thrust of their negotiation.
It notes, “A sincere Government will be mindful of inflation and global effect on how wages are paid in any country while on the other hand, Organised Labour union must be seen to be playing their constitutional role of protecting the welfare of their workers. Wisdom is, therefore, strongly suggested for both parties.
“We also call on the Labour Union to take into consideration states still struggling to pay the existing minimum wage. We noticed that only the Federal Government and a few State Governments in the country can pay their demands if the Labour union insists.
Christian Conscience also called on opinion leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders to mediate in the deadlock “to avoid a nationwide strike that will further worsen our fragile economy which the Government is striving to bring back on track”.