The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to embark on a nation-wide strike if within the next 14 days six banks which recently sacked their workers failed to recall all such workers.
The NLC said in a letter to the managements of the six banks, signed by the Deputy General Secretary, Chris Uyot, on behalf of the President, Ayuba Wabba, that the congress decided to issue the ultimatum having been informed by the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees that the banks embarked on arbitrary mass sacking of workers without adherence to labour laws.
The banks are Fidelity Bank, Diamond Bank, First City Monument Bank, First Bank, Ecobank and Skye Bank.
The NLC accused the management of the affected banks of preventing unionization of workers in spite of efforts to resolve the issue amicably.
Uyot said that the NLC would ensure the closure of all branches of the banks across the country if all sacked workers were not recalled and workers allowed unionizing at the expiration of the ultimatum expected to take effect from June 16, 2016.
“I have been directed to notify you that we have been informed by our affiliate union, the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees that your bank has arbitrarily sacked a large number of workers contrary to laid down procedures and the country’s extant labour laws.
“In addition, you have also resisted unionization of workers in your bank despite spirited efforts by the union to amicably engage you in the process.
“By this letter, we are giving your bank fourteen days ultimatum commencing from Thursday 16th June, 2016 to immediately recall all workers so sacked and allow unionization of workers in the bank or face industrial action, which may include closure of your banks and all its outlets nationwide.
“While hoping our request meets your kind consideration, please, accept our goodwill and best regards.” [myad]
