ITF civil aviation section backs Nigerian minimum wage demands

November 6, 2018

The ITF civil aviation section has written to affiliate unions in Nigeria expressing support for their role in demanding a higher minimum wage.

Nigerian union federations are currently involved in tripartite negotiations with government and business over a new national minimum wage. While the unions’ position is informed by Nigeria’s cost of living, the intransigence of other negotiators led to a breakdown in talks the beginning of the month. At that point, three union federations called for national cross-sectoral strike action in favour of decent pay.

While negotiations have now resumed, the ITF civil aviation section has written to two affiliate unions in the country to express our support for their demands. The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) declared their intention to join the national strike, and remain on standby should the negotiations break down again.

Unions are now demanding a minimum wage of 30,000 naira (82.53 US dollars) per month, while the federal government is holding out for 24,000 naira (66.02 US dollars) and state governors for just 22,500 naira (61.90 US dollars). The current minimum wage of 18,000 naira (49.52 US dollars) is markedly below the true cost of living in Nigeria, especially given the country’s reliance on imported goods.

ITF will continue to support our Nigerian affiliates in fighting for a fair minimum wage, including in any lawful strike action they decide to take.

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