COMRADE Bolum Nwachukwu stands out as a distinguished leader within the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria embodying advocacy, dedication, and reform.
With an extensive career marked by a deep commitment to workers’ rights and socio-economic justice, Comrade Nwachukwu, the Delta State Chairman of TUC, has emerged as a pivotal figure in shaping labour relations and union dynamics. A seasoned activist, Nwachukwu’s leadership is underscored by a profound understanding of the workforce in Delta State. His career trajectory reflects a blend of grassroots organization and strategic negotiation, essential for navigating the intricate landscape of labour issues.
In this interview, Comrade Nwachukwu recognizes Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s proactive approach in addressing the challenges faced by workers and his dedication to creating a more balanced and fair economic environment, highlighting the Governor’s readiness to pay the New Minimum Wage, despite paucity of funds owing to multiple infrastructure development seeking for urgent attention. Read on:
What is the Delta TUC’s official reaction to the Federal Government’s approval of the N70, 000 minimum wage?
It’s a welcome development. We actually fought to get it higher but considering every indices and every other thing that was considered, we settled for the N70, 000 and it’s a good one. So, we welcome the Federal Government initiative and with the speed it was passed in the House. We welcome it and we’re happy about that. The problem now is that the Consequential Adjustment is not there. We’re pressuring the Federal Government too to bring out the Consequential Adjustment, because we can’t implement without the Consequential Adjustment.
What do you mean by Consequential Adjustment?
What the law says is that the least earning worker level 1 step 1 for example, is at least N70,000 that’s minimum wage. But those who are in level 4-17 do not know what it’s going to be theirs, and it must be uniform. So, it’s the duty of Salaries and Wages Commission to come up with the Consequential Adjustment chart. That is what we would now use to discuss with our state governors and the private sector so that everybody would earn equally.
Still looking at the N70, 000 minimum wage; is it just basic or are allowances included?
Total package, that’s why it is called minimum wage; for the least paid worker. In public service, we hardly have level 1 step 1. But in the private sector we have somebody who is not leveled, it means that your gardener and domestic staff at home will not be paid anything less than N70,000.
Is there not a law like that before this?
There is nothing like that. You saw the law when it came, it didn’t say that. It is as simple as that. The minimum wage is for everybody. That is the nitty gritty of the explanation of the Executive Order.
Does TUC believe that N70,000 is a living wage for civil servants considering the current economic realities?
What was passed into law is not a living wage; it’s the National Minimum Wage not a living wage. A living wage is a different kettle of tea altogether. But for now we can make do with the National Minimum Wage of N70,000.
From N250,000, the TUC and NLC accepted N70,000, do you really see that as what Nigerian workers are happy with?
Also remember that the N70,000 we negotiated was 135 per cent increase from the N30,000 we are being paid before. Like I usually tell people, if you go to war and you kill a dog, you have tried.
How did labour and FG arrive at the amount during the negotiation because NGF were very vocal saying they could even not pay N60,000. So, what changed?
The same governors who you said cannot pay N60,000 are eager to pay the N70,000. For example, so many state governors said they want to start now, it’s actually labour that’s holding them saying, “hold on let’s get the Consequential Adjustment. Just recently we met with the committee for Delta State. They held a State Executive Council meeting the day before and the governor insisted that a committee be set up immediately and that the committee will meet with organized Labour immediately, that he wants to pay; which is very good.
What you’re saying to Deltans is that the Delta State Governor is willing to pay the N70,000 minimum wage?
Our Governor is not only willing but he’s ready to pay the N70,000 minimum wage. We have a Governor who feels for the workers and he’s eager, not just willing, but eager.
Do you foresee some states struggling more than other states?
There is no state that will struggle. There is no state that does not have capacity to pay. I don’t believe that.
Comrade, you sound very certain but you’re aware that even some states were yet to pay the N30,000 minimum wage?
It was merely political will. They manipulated the political will to pay. Some of those states were buying vehicles and doing some projects that were not even for the people.
What step is the TUC planning if any government refuses to implement the new minimum wage?
Simple. We mobilize the whole country, not just Delta State. In the past it was left for the state councils, but this time entire TUC and NLC will mobilize Labour to that state as our dwelling place and the state Governor will host all of us.
This is an extension to that question. What if it’s the private sector?
We mobilize and shutdown the place.
Is there a timeline given to state governments to implement the new minimum wage?
The timeline is as soon as the Consequential Adjustment comes they would start the implementation. They’re eager to implement it fast because if they don’t, they would now be faced with arrears and no state government wants to pay arrears, because it’s bulky.
One of the fears of the people in relation to the increment of the minimum wage is also the increment in the cost of goods and services out there. Does Organized Labour have measures in place to help mitigate this?
Interestingly, simple economics, when there is increase in supply the price drops. With the inflow of more money more persons will participate and when they participate there will be increase in supply and prices might come down. It does not necessarily mean that because there is more money in circulation, people are not able to afford it because few persons are the ones doing it now, so they jack up the prices.
Is the TUC okay with the three-year review of the minimum wage?
It used to be five years in the past, three years is fine. Mind you review does not necessarily mean upwards. If the economy recovers the review can be downwards. We pray that Nigeria gets to that level. If naira recovers why not? We review downwards.
Finally, what message do you have for workers and the public considering the new minimum wage and negotiations?
My message is simple please be guided. The minimum wage is coming. Don’t make useless expenditures. It is not a bonus to your earnings. Try to apply it. Do what one or two things that can bring you more money, take care of your health and take care of yourself but try to invest a little even if it is 25 per cent of your entire earning, do little investment and earn more money and next time will be better. Thank you.
