Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has been advised to consider wage parity as another option in its negotiations with the federal government to address the problem of industrial action by Nigerian workers.
The acting director of reform coordination and service improvement in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr Jumai Ahmadu, said wage parity involves eliminating disparities based on discriminatory practices and ensuring that all employees are compensated fairly and equitably for their contributions.
She said wage parity can help alleviate the issues that lead to industrial action because it promotes fairness and equity and ensures that all workers are compensated equally for the same work.
Ahmadu added that wage parity reduces resentment and conflict, especially if some employees feel that they are being unfairly paid less than their counterparts in different government-owned institutions for the same work.
Ahmadu said wage parity also increases employee motivation and engagement because when workers feel that their efforts are rewarded fairly, they are more likely to be motivated to perform well and contribute positively.
She said wage parity is crucial in addressing the root causes of industrial action by Nigerian workers. “By implementing fair and equal pay practices, companies can promote fairness, reduce conflict, increase motivation, improve retention, enhance their reputation, comply with labour laws while preventing disputes, and foster a positive work culture,” she said.
