The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has backed calls for a reduction in petrol pump price to N500 per litre, threatening to join a proposed three-day warning strike.

This is contained in a statement signed by Andrew Emelieze, National Coordinator of FWF, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Emelieze said the resolutions followed an online general meeting of federal workers held on Sunday.

He said the forum unanimously endorsed the Joint National Public Service Negotiation Council’s (JNPSNC) demand for the petrol pump price to be reduced to N500 per litre by September 30.

“We call on all federal workers to mobilise and prepare for any industrial action declared by labour leadership should the government fail to meet these demands,” he added.

He said federal workers expected President Bola Tinubu’s October 1 Independence Day broadcast to address the concerns raised by organised labour.

“Failing, federal workers will be ready to embark on the three-day warning strike proposed by labour,” he said.

On wages, Mr Emelieze demanded an immediate review of federal workers’ salaries to a minimum of N300,000 and a maximum of N1.5 million for Grade Level 17 officers.

He added that the immediate review of federal workers’ salaries would cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship.

Mr Emelieze called for the reinstatement of the wage award as a reasonable cost of living allowance (COLA), insisting that payments must not be delayed.

“We fully support labour’s fight for a living wage. Federal workers and the Nigerian populace have suffered enough,” he said.

He urged the JNPSNC to demand full implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, effective from July 2024, including consequential adjustment of arrears and the 40 per cent peculiar allowance.

“It is illogical to discuss a new wage structure when the N70,000 minimum wage has not yet been fully implemented by the federal government,” he said.

He opposed moves to concession or privatise King’s College, Lagos, and other federal unity colleges, urging the government to prioritise adequate funding for public education.

Mr Emelieze urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to review their strategies for engaging the government on workers’ welfare.

He also criticised the Organised Private Sector (OPS) over its opposition to an immediate wage review for federal workers, describing its position as unfair to workers.

He called for an immediate town hall meeting between federal workers and Mr Tinubu to discuss workers’ demands and strategies for improving productivity.

“We demand justice and a decent wage, not pity,” he said.

 (NAN)