Federal Workers Forum Backs N500 Petrol Price Demand, Warns of Strike
A statement released in Abuja on Tuesday by Andrew Emelieze, the National Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF), has thrown the group's support behind the Joint National Public Service Negotiation Council's (JNPSNC) push for the Federal Government to cut the pump price of petrol to N500 per litre by September 30.
The position was made public after an online general meeting of federal workers that took place on Sunday. According to the Forum, its members will not hesitate to take part in a proposed three-day warning strike should the government fail to honour the demand.
Beyond the petrol price issue, the FWF is asking for federal workers' salaries to be reviewed without delay. It has proposed that the minimum salary be set at N300,000, while officers on Grade Level 17 should earn a maximum of N1.5 million.
Emelieze called on federal workers across the country to get ready for possible industrial action if the government does not address the grievances that organised labour has put forward. He said: "We call on all federal workers to mobilise and prepare for any industrial action declared by labour leadership should the government fail to meet these demands."
The FWF National Coordinator also stated that federal workers are looking forward to President Bola Tinubu's October 1 Independence Day broadcast, expecting it to tackle the issues that labour has raised. He warned: "Failing, federal workers will be ready to embark on the three-day warning strike proposed by labour."
On the salary review, the Forum explained that the adjustment is necessary to reduce the hardship that workers are currently facing because of the difficult economic climate. It also wants the wage award restored as a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), with Emelieze maintaining that such payments must not be delayed.
"We fully support labour's fight for a living wage. Federal workers and the Nigerian populace have suffered enough," he said.
In addition, the FWF has asked the JNPSNC to press for the complete implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, which should take effect from July 2024, along with consequential adjustment arrears and the 40% peculiar allowance. Emelieze argued: "It is illogical to discuss a new wage structure when the N70,000 minimum wage has not yet been fully implemented by the Federal Government."
The Forum also expressed its disagreement with plans to concession or privatise King's College, Lagos, and other federal unity colleges. Instead of such moves, it wants the government to concentrate on providing sufficient funding for public education.
Emelieze further advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reconsider the way they engage with the government on matters concerning workers' welfare. He also took aim at the Organised Private Sector (OPS) for its resistance to an immediate wage review for federal workers, saying its position is unfair to workers.
The FWF's stance comes at a time when petrol prices are rising again and workers' purchasing power is under increasing strain. The JNPSNC had earlier called on the government to bring the pump price down to N500 per litre by September 30 or face strike action.
In September, the NLC demanded immediate wage awards for workers as petrol prices climbed to about N1,430 per litre in major cities, citing higher transport costs and the resulting pressure on household budgets.
On previous occasions, the FWF has pushed for a N300,000 minimum wage, the payment of outstanding wage awards and salary arrears, and the full implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage.
to like, bookmark, and comment.
Comments
Join the conversation:
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.