Minimum wage: Court stops labour from embarking on strike

The National industrial court has ordered the organised labour not to go ahead with the nationwide strike scheduled for November 6.

At its sitting on Friday, Sanusi Kado, a judge, ruled that the planned strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) will cause huge economic loss to the nation.

Kado ruled on an ex parte application filed by the ministry of justice, urging the court to halt the industrial action.

The unions had threatened the strike action, following disagreement with the federal government over the minimum wage for workers.

The unions went on strike in September but suspended the industrial action after talks with government.

While labour demanded an upward review of the minimum wage from N18,000, the federal government proposed N24,000 while the state governments suggested N22,500.

Labour rejected the proposals and, just  recently, pegged its demand at N66,500.

It also accused the government of not showing any sign of seriousness to resolve the workers’ concerns.

Ruling on the motion filed by Dayo Apata, permanent secretary, ministry of justice, the judge said the intended strike could also endanger the health of many Nigerians by the time hospitals are closed.

The judge subsequently adjourned sitting till November 8.