Labour unions in Cross River are still negotiating the new minimum wage with the state government.

Monday Ogbodum, chairman of the Trade Union Congress in the state, disclosed this in an interview in Calabar on Thursday.

Mr Ogbodum said the negotiation was based on the template provided by the federal government for implementing the new minimum wage.

“I can only tell that we are still discussing with the government on the implementation of the new wage here and indeed, talk is progressing,” said Mr Ogbodum. “What I cannot tell you now is the amount that will be agreed upon by both parties, but I can say that it will not fall short of what the federal government is paying.”

While urging the workers to remain calm over the new wage implementation, he noted that discussions will soon be rounded up for the state to join others already implementing.

“I can’t just tell you the time frame that this talk will be concluded, but I am sure we are almost there,” he explained.

It will be recalled that the federal government and labour unions agreed in August on paying N70,000 as the new minimum wage, while some states have resolved to implement more than N70,000. 

(NAN)