During the Democracy Day celebration in Asaba, Delta State, Sunny Onuesoke, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former gubernatorial aspirant in Delta State, expressed strong disapproval of what he termed as the thoughtless demands of labor unions pushing for a raise in the minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
He labeled the labor unions’ efforts to compel the federal government to yield to their terms in the negotiation process as insensitive and self-centered.
Onuesoke emphasized the potentially negative impact their requests could have on individuals who do not receive fixed salaries or wages, specifically highlighting those in the private sector, traders, artisans, and rural residents who constitute a significant portion of the country’s workforce.
He firmly stated that the labor movement appeared to be prioritizing their own interests over the well-being of Nigeria and its citizens throughout this negotiation process.
Encouraging a reevaluation of their demands, Onuesoke urged the unions to acknowledge the challenges faced by the vast majority of Nigerians who are not part of the government payroll, a demographic that surpasses the government-employed population by far.
Pointing out what he views as a disparity in focus, Onuesoke compared the unions’ push for wage increases to the demands made by lawmakers for salary increments, raising concerns about the lack of similar advocacy for individuals in different sectors like the private industry, traders, artisans, and the unemployed.
“TUC and NLC are showing selfish tendencies, much like the political leadership. Their campaign for higher wages fails to address the needs of the broader population, including those in the private sector, traders, artisans, and the multitude of unemployed individuals. It is essential to consider that wage hikes can lead to inflationary pressures,” Onuesoke questioned.