The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has asked President Bola Tinubu to speed up action about the new national minimum wage for workers.
NAAT President, Mr Ibeji Nwokoma, made this public through a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
He said the union was worried due to the continuous delay by the President in forwarding the new National Minimum Wage Bill to the National Assembly.
“NAAT, as an affiliate of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), stands by the position of organised labour and calls on the federal government to expedite action on the matter to avoid industrial action,” he said.
Nwokoma stated that NAAT condemned in strong terms, the unpatriotic stance of State Governors claiming that they’re not capable to pay even the N62,000 proposed by the federal government, albeit, rejected by the organised labour.
“The refusal of the Governors Forum to recognise the efforts of workers in creating wealth and prosperity in the states and the country in general, is most unfortunate.
“This undermines the essence and model adopted for national minimum wage. We therefore, demand that the Governors Forum should reconsider the position and toe the path of honour.
“The proposal by the governors to pay minimum wage based on their peculiarities is condemnable and rejected in its entirety,” he said.
The union president also said that the constitutional provisions on minimum wage are enshrined in the exclusive legislative list.
He then called on the federal government, to immediately implement the payment of the withheld salaries of its members and the resolutions of all other outstanding matters.
“NAAT is compelled to issue this press statement as a response to the non-payment of five and half months withheld salaries, non-payment of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increment arrears.
“Other issues are the non-payment of Occupational Hazard and Responsibility Allowance arrears, and the release of enabling circulars for CONTISS 14 and 15.
“Also, the non-release of arrears of Earned Allowances as contained in Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) of 2020, 2021 and 2022,” he said.