Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole on Monday okayed the new minimum wage of N18, 000.34k for civil servants in the state, saying the payment takes effect from June 1, 2011.
The signing of the agreement makes Edo State the first state in the country to implement the new minimum wage, although the state payment is 34 kobo higher than the national minimum wage passed into law by the National Assembly.
Mr Oshiomhole, who signed the agreement in Benin City in company of the leadership of organised labour leaders in Edo State, promised the workers that the state would get the arrears of the new minimum wage in bulk in order for the workers to utilise it meaningfully.
"Edo State Government and the organised union have met, discussed and reflected on all the issue arising from the implementation of the minimum wage in Edo State and I am happy that we have wrapped up an agreement," he said.
He noted that issue of minimum wage is not open to negotiation, adding that "it is a matter of law and as a government, we have obligation to respect the law and to lead by example." "The reality of the cost of living in Nigeria is such that no one can question the viability of the national minimum wage. I believe Nigeria would continue to need the minimum wage in order to protect the low income workers and also taking into account those sectors of the economy where unions may not be in existence or they may be weak to negotiate on their own, you need a law to protect them," he said.
Doing the right thing
Mr Oshiomhole however emphasised that government's commitment to pay is not a reflection of the size of the pocket, but "it is a reflection of our will to do what is right for workers." He therefore called on the workers to join hands with government to continue to focus on those non-wage areas and together move the state forward, assuring them that the government is a labour friendly one and it would continue to give workers' welfare adequate attention.
The chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Edo State chapter praised the government for implementing the new wage, adding that it will enhance the production of the workers.
Workers in the state were earning a minimum of N10, 500 prior to the signing of the new wage structure.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everydayThe signing of the agreement makes Edo State the first state in the country to implement the new minimum wage, although the state payment is 34 kobo higher than the national minimum wage passed into law by the National Assembly.
Mr Oshiomhole, who signed the agreement in Benin City in company of the leadership of organised labour leaders in Edo State, promised the workers that the state would get the arrears of the new minimum wage in bulk in order for the workers to utilise it meaningfully.
"Edo State Government and the organised union have met, discussed and reflected on all the issue arising from the implementation of the minimum wage in Edo State and I am happy that we have wrapped up an agreement," he said.
He noted that issue of minimum wage is not open to negotiation, adding that "it is a matter of law and as a government, we have obligation to respect the law and to lead by example." "The reality of the cost of living in Nigeria is such that no one can question the viability of the national minimum wage. I believe Nigeria would continue to need the minimum wage in order to protect the low income workers and also taking into account those sectors of the economy where unions may not be in existence or they may be weak to negotiate on their own, you need a law to protect them," he said.
Doing the right thing
Mr Oshiomhole however emphasised that government's commitment to pay is not a reflection of the size of the pocket, but "it is a reflection of our will to do what is right for workers." He therefore called on the workers to join hands with government to continue to focus on those non-wage areas and together move the state forward, assuring them that the government is a labour friendly one and it would continue to give workers' welfare adequate attention.
The chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Edo State chapter praised the government for implementing the new wage, adding that it will enhance the production of the workers.
Workers in the state were earning a minimum of N10, 500 prior to the signing of the new wage structure.
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