Following the recent retrenchment carried out by Fidelity Bank, Diamond Bank, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), First Bank, Ecobank and Skye Bank, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday, threatened to shut down the banks if they refuse to recall the sacked workers within two weeks.
This threat came on the heels of recent comments credited to the umbrella body of the employers in the country ; the Nigeria Employers Consultative Assembly, which allegedly frowned at the efforts of government to forestall further retrenchment in the banking sector. The group stated that the government had no right to ask the banks not to sack workers.
A letter signed by the Deputy General Secretary , Chris Uyot and dispatched to the management of the six banks, the NLC official said: “I have been directed to inform you that, it has been brought to our notice by our affiliate union, the National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE) that your bank is one of those that have arbitrarily sacked a large number of workers in recent times contrary to laid down procedures and the country’s extant labour laws.
“Also, of concern has been that these blatant retrenchments were carried out without recourse to several correspondence, including letters and circulars sent to you by the union to retrace your steps in line with best practices in labour relations and laws of the land.
“By this letter, we are giving your bank 14 days ultimatum commencing from Thursday, 16th June, 2016 to recall all the sacked workers or face industrial action, which may include ensuring that your bank and all its outlets are closed for business nationwide. While looking forward to your honouring our request, please, accept our goodwill and best regards.”
