Ajaero Critiques TUC for Rejecting N70,000 Transport Allowance

Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has challenged the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to negotiate its own demands with the Federal Government instead of rejecting the N70,000 monthly transport allowance for federal workers that the NLC agreed upon. Ajaero described the TUC’s rejection as improper and stated that the TUC had no authority to dismiss an agreement made by another workers’ organization.

The TUC, led by President-General Festus Osifo and Secretary Nuhu Toro, rejected the allowance, arguing that the Federal Government could afford to pay workers N300,000 due to the prevailing economic hardship. Ajaero responded by asserting that the TUC had not negotiated with the government regarding the transport allowance and should pursue its own demands.

He expressed a preference for the TUC to negotiate for a higher amount rather than dismissing the NLC's agreement, emphasizing the need for established processes in wage negotiations.