The House of Representatives has resolved to interface with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), over its threat to embark on an industrial action over a new minimum wage.
The House resolution followed a matter of personal explanation moved by the member representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Mr Kelechi Nwogu.
The deputy speaker, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, said that the leadership of the House will meet with the leadership of organised labour on the minimum wage issue and report back to the House within one week.
Mr. Nwogu had informed the House that organised labour has announced a plan to go on strike with effect from May 31, over a dispute with the Federal Government regarding the approval of a new minimum wage.
The lawmaker, who noted that there was a need for proactive steps by the House to avert the strike, recalled that the parliamentary had on March 16 adopted a motion on the need for a new minimum wage.
He also pointed out that the relevant committee was yet to report back to the House, contrary to the provision of the House Standing Order, which mandates committees to complete their assignments within 30 days, expect there is an extension.
“If you look at Order 18 Rule 1 Sub 5 of our standing order, it says any matter referred to a committee shall be treated within 30 days, otherwise the committee stands discharged after 60 days, except there is an extension of time. This House adopted a motion on the need to provide a living wage for workers in Nigeria, sponsored by the deputy minority leader and others on the 16th of March. The report was supposed to be presented to the House prior to this time,” he said.
The minority leader, Kingsley Chinda, in his contribution, noted that the House must act immediately, “rather than allow labour to go on strike.”
