Sunny Onuesoke, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former gubernatorial aspirant in Delta State, has criticized the ongoing demands by organized labor for an increase in the minimum wage for Nigerian workers. Speaking during the Democracy Day celebration in Asaba, Onuesoke described the labor unions’ efforts to pressure the federal government into accepting their terms as both inhuman and selfish.
Onuesoke argued that the demands made by labor unions could negatively impact the common citizens who do not earn a salary or wage. He emphasized that it is unreasonable for labor unions to push for higher minimum wages without considering the potential adverse effects on private sector workers, traders, artisans, and rural dwellers, who make up the largest segment of the workforce in Nigeria.
He urged labor unions to reconsider their demands, taking into account the plight of the broader population, especially those not on the government payroll. According to Onuesoke, the focus on government employees, who represent less than 1% of the total Nigerian population, is shortsighted and does not prioritize the needs of the majority of Nigerians.
Onuesoke stated, “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.”
He further questioned why labor unions are focusing on their salary increments without advocating for similar increases for traders, private sector employees, artisans, and the unemployed.
