NLC President Ajaero faults TUC over rejection of N70,000 transport allowance

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has faulted the Trade Union Congress for rejecting the Federal Government’s N70,000 monthly transport allowance for public sector workers, describing the decision as “improper.”

Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, Ajaero said the TUC should negotiate its own terms with the government rather than oppose an agreement it did not participate in.

The TUC had on Wednesday rejected the six-month allowance, arguing that temporary wage awards were neither “sustainable” nor “far-reaching”.

It urged the government to increase workers’ salaries instead.

The allowance followed a conciliation meeting in Abuja between government representatives and NLC leaders, with the agreement documented in a memorandum of understanding.

“TUC did not sign the agreement. You don’t kick against something you did not negotiate or ask for,” Ajaero said.

He added that he would have preferred both labour centres to push for better terms, saying, “I would have preferred a situation whereby if NLC were asking for one naira, TUC would be asking for 10 naira. Probably the government would harmonise it.”

Ajaero said the TUC had not requested intervention over rising transport costs, adding that a substantive salary review required a formal process.

“TUC never asked for intervention as a result of the rising cost of transportation. On asking for a wage increase, does the government gift wage increases? There must be a process put in place,” he said.

He said the NLC had urged the government to begin work immediately on a committee to review workers’ pay, adding that he was surprised the TUC opposed the allowance after distancing itself from the negotiations.

“I’m worried for some time now why you will say you reject something that was not given to you. That is not proper.

“You don’t have the power to reject what a sister agency negotiates. You have the power to ask for your own,” Ajaero added.

Abuja doctor reveals a unique way to permanently cure weak erection, small and shameful manhood, and infertility issues without side effects within a short period. Click now to see!!

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Nation Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don’t miss a headline — join now!