A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party and former governorship aspirant in Delta State, Sunny Onuesoke, has spoken out against the labour unions’ aggressive push for a higher minimum wage.
He opined that their demands were selfish and inhumane, neglecting the potential negative impact on ordinary citizens who don’t receive a salary or wage.
Onuesoke argues that the labour unions’ focus solely on government workers, who make up less than 1% of the population, disregarding the struggles of the larger workforce in the private sector, including traders, artisans, and rural residents, according to Daily Post.
He urged the unions to reconsider their demands, prioritizing the welfare of all Nigerians, not just those on the government payroll.
According to Onuesoke, the labour movement’s stance does not prioritize Nigeria’s well-being, and he encouraged a more inclusive approach to the negotiation process.
“TUC and NLC are selfish. They are the same as the political leadership. They are agitating for the increment of their wages. What happens to the private sector, the traders, artisans, and even the unemployed Nigerians roaming our streets? Who is going to increase their wages? They forget that once there is a wage increase, there will be hyperinflation.
“Why are they agitating for their salary increment like the way our lawmakers are agitating for their own salaries and allowance increases? How many salary increases did they agitate for traders, the private sector, artisans, and the unemployed among others?” Onuesoke queried.