From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives, yesterday, resolved to interface with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the threat by organised labour to embark on an industrial action over the new minimum wage.
The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over yesterday’s plenary, said the leadership of the House would meet with the leadership of organised labour on the minimum wage issue and report back to the House within one week.
The House resolution followed a matter of personal explanation moved by the member representing Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Kelechi Nwogu, at yesterday’s plenary.
Nwogu had informed the House that organised labour had announced plans 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 need for proactive steps by the House to avert the strike, recalled that the parliament had, on March 16, adopted a motion on the need for a new minimum wage.
Nevertheless, he noted 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, except there is an extension.
The Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, in his contribution, noted that the House must act immediately, “rather than allow labour to go on strike.”