In 2024, nearly 10 million U.S. workers will see their pay increase due to minimum wage hikes across various states and localities. This follows years of advocacy by groups like Fight for $15 and legislative actions at state and local levels. Starting January 1, 22 states and numerous cities
and counties will raise their minimum wages, with some areas such as Tukwila, Washington, setting the highest minimum wage at $20.29 per hour.
By Wenona Russ
Yes, that’s RIGHT!
I know of Diasporans in Nigeria who are just getting by here in Abuja. (NOT to feed into the stereotype that all Diasporans are millionaires, mind you) I didn’t believe Nigeria was so costly. I still have fond memories of going on the mission field in 2021. I had heard that the cost of living had increased. But as I have been talking to more Diasporans in Abuja, it has become obvious that even Diasporans with dollars are JUST getting by!
It saddens me because in the midst of the cost of living, issues are Nigerians who make less than $30 USD PER MONTH to take care of themselves and their families.
This is an ATROCITY and a violation of human rights!
This week, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have commenced a nationwide strike starting from June 3, 2024. This industrial action is in response to the federal government’s failure to finalize a new minimum wage and to reverse the recent
hike in electricity tariffs. The unions have been demanding a minimum wage increase to ₦200,000 from the current ₦60,000, citing the rising cost of living due to the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.
The strike has garnered support from various unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the National Union of Electricity Employees, and the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, among others. These unions have instructed their members to cease
work in solidarity with the NLC and TUC’s demands.
The government has yet to provide a substantial response to these demands, and the situation remains tense as the strike impacts various sectors across the country. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is the umbrella organization for trade unions in Nigeria.
Established in 1978, the NLC represents the interests of workers in various sectors across the country. Its primary functions include advocating for workers’ rights, negotiating wages and working conditions, and organizing strikes and protests to address grievances.
The NLC plays a crucial role in the socio-economic and political landscape of Nigeria. It engages with the government and private sector to ensure fair labor practices and policies. Over the years, the NLC has been involved in significant actions and campaigns, such as pushing for increases in the national minimum wage, opposing fuel subsidy removals, and addressing issues related to pension and social security.
The latest development regarding the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) strike involves ongoing tension and actions taken by the labor unions.
Despite a recent suspension of a planned strike after negotiations with the government, the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response to their demands. These demands primarily revolve around the removal of fuel subsidies, which they argue has caused significant hardship for Nigerian workers and the general populace.
In addition, specific issues such as the attack and arrest of NLC President Joe Ajasero in Imo State have further inflamed the situation. The unions have issued ultimatums and are preparing for potential industrial actions if their grievances are not addressed.
A year ago today, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) had a strike over unresolved welfare issues with shipping companies. This strike highlighted the broader labor unrest across various sectors in Nigeria. The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) is a prominent trade union representing workers in the Nigerian maritime sector. It encompasses various groups including dockworkers,
seafarers, staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and other employees in the shipping and maritime industry.
The MWUN is primarily focused on advocating for better wages, working conditions, and welfare for its members. It engages in collective bargaining with employers, including multinational shipping companies, and often negotiates on issues related to labor rights, safety standards, and overall industry practices.The union has been involved in several significant actions and strikes to press for its demands.
Recently, it has called for an indefinite nationwide strike to address long standing disputes over poor pay and working conditions in the shipping industry, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by workers in this sector.
Worldwide, countries are recognizing that workers need a liveable wage in order to keep up with the ever-increasing demands of the cost of living. The United States and the United Kingdom have implemented competitive wages in an attempt to compensate their most essential workers for the labor that drives and moves national economies.
In 2024, nearly 10 million U.S. workers will see their pay increase due to minimum wage hikes across various states and localities. This follows years of advocacy by groups like Fight for $15 and legislative actions at state and local levels. Starting January 1, 22 states and numerous cities
and counties will raise their minimum wages, with some areas such as Tukwila, Washington, setting the highest minimum wage at $20.29 per hour.
The federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009, which is significantly lower in real terms compared to its peak value in 1968. Efforts to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 by 2024, such as those proposed in the Raise the Wage Act, aim ttol address this gap and boost pay for nearly 40 million workers.
The UK government recently announced a significant increase in the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW). From April 2024, the NLW for workers aged 21 and over will rise to £11.44 per hour. This is part of a broader effort to ensure the NLW equals
two-thirds of median earnings by 2024. The increase is aimed at helping low-paid workers cope with the rising cost of living and is the largest ever cash increase since the introduction of the NLW.
For younger workers, the NMW rates will also see significant increases. For example, the rate for 21-22-year-olds will rise to £10.18 per hour, a substantial increase aimed at preventing wage disparity among younger workers.
I have noticed that Nigeria has made ‘attempts’ to be in the mainstream of this economic and financial reset that is to come. Visits to the WEF conferences to present what Nigeria has to offer. Inquiries into becoming a member of BRICS. And many Nigerians go to great lengths to
present investment opportunities to the world.
However, the Nigerian Government has FAILED to invest into its most important assets – its PEOPLE! It’s workers.
Fly around the world. Meet and greet with the elite. Dance and frolick with the privileged. But it is NOT them that keeps this country running – even in the midst of GROSS lack of leadership and accountability within the government. It is the WORKERS that work 14 hours per day but can’t feed their kids. It is the military that risks their lives…but cannot take their families to the hospital to receive medical care. The same hospitals where doctors and nurses work for MONTHS without pay. I am in FULL SUPPORT of the strike and pray that the government gives workers a minimum wage of at least $100,000.
