The Nation Newspaper

Tag: casualisation

  • Union draws battle line against casualisation

    The National Union of Shops and Distributive Employees (NUSDE) has said it is ready to re-ignite the battle against casualisation and contract staffing in the sector. It, therefore, warned employers engaging in the act to desist as it will fight the battle to a standstill.

    Its President, Comrade Innocent Jaja said casualisation and contract staffing have been a hard nut for organised labour to crack for over a decade.

    He said it is more pronounced due to the economic downturn confronting the country.

    Jaja said: “The challenges facing the sector are quite numerous. But let me start with the economy, which is like the father of them all. Our economy, if you ask me, is in coma, even though the Federal Government said we are out of recession. But like my immediate past president always said, how does that affect us? How does that put food on the table of an average Nigerian? Our economy is that bad, and if the head is sick then the entire body is sick.”

    He said the most catastrophic is the issue of power, lamenting that the cost of running generators for a day in any establishment would tell if the economy is right or not. “If a man, for instance, has 50 workers, and has a business that he earns N100,000 as profit daily, that is fairly what is required for diesel to run generators for the business.

     

    Of course, workers are part of the larger part of the society. We are the worst hit because there is hardly any a week or month that we do not discuss the issue of downsizing with our employers arising from hardship.

    “We are into retailing, if an employer requires five loads of diesel a day to run a shop, do that by one month, including other variable cost, the man cannot break even and that is why we are having all these issues, it is that bad and we pray, by his grace, we will not go into extinction.”

  • ‘Govt helpless over casualisation, sack’

    The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has said it is helpless on issues, such as workers retrenchment, and casualisation by some companies in the country. It lamented that the development has become a great concern for the Federal Government.

    Speaking at a two-day Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) synergy programme in Akwa Ibom State, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr  Chris Ngige, said in addressing these issues, the Ministry will need the support of PENGASSAN and other unions in the country.

    “It is a pity that the issues of casualisation, retrenchment and other industrial disputes have been a major concern to us. In fact, I must tell you that we can only bark; we cannot bite. We need the supports of PENGASSAN and other unions to be able to tackle this menace,” he said.

    Represented at the forum by Akwa Ibom State Controller of the Ministry, Mrs Tonye Thom-Manuel, Ngige said the machinery of the settlement of labour conflict could be categorised into two.

    According to him, these include the internal machinery that is collectively negotiated between the management and the union and the external machinery that is statutory and enshrined in the constitution of the country and comprises the provision of the labour laws.

  • Union decries high rate of casualisation

    The National Union of Chemical Footwear Rubber Leather and Non-Metallic Products Employees (NUCFRLANMPE) has expressed concern over what it described as the alarming rate of outsourcing and casualisation in the chemical sector.

    Its President, Goke Olatunji, said it was a deliberate attempt by some employers to prevent their employees from unionism.

    Emphasising that it was a trend that negates the ILO convention on rights of a worker, the NUCFRLANMPE chief said leaders of the union had, therefore, resolved at the National Administrative and Central Working Committee meeting held at the weekend in Sango Ota, Ogu State, to take on any erring employer.

    Olatunji said the union had written the employers on the need to respect labour laws and conventions.

    “We all understand the situation in the country and empathise with some of our employers, but most of them, irrespective of the situation in the country,are still breaking even and have failed to do what is lawful,” he said.

    Olatunji condemned the situation where Nigerians were being used as slaves in their country, while foreign employers repatriate all the benefits entitled to the workers to their own countries.

    He said the union would support the committee put in place by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to fight casualisation and other anti-worker policies in the workplace.

    “Nigerian workers are the ones oiling the machinery of this economy and are supposed to be treated fairly; a casual worker is underpaid, works several hours, is not entitled to any benefit whatsoever, all these must stop. Nigerian workers, irrespective of their standard, deserve to be treated fairly,” he said.

    The NUCFRLANMPE leader, however, praised all employers who have begun the implementation of the National Joint Industrial Committee agreement that was signed  some months ago.

    He also advised those yet to commence payment not to delay any further, while he maintained  that the issue of gratuities of union’s members would be vigorously pursued.

    Olatunji said the union, as a way of beating the present economic challenges and help some of its members already out of job, is diversifying into other investments that will further boost its financial capacity.

    “Right now, the only major source of income is through check-off dues. So, the meeting has called  for  the speedy completion of our on-going ultra-modern shopping complex project as well as fashion out ways of  going into small medium enterprises geared towards empowering members of the union,” he said.

  • Casualisation, outsourcing inhuman, says ASSBIFI

    Casualisation, outsourcing inhuman, says ASSBIFI

    The President of  the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), Comrade Sunday Olusoji Salako, has described outsourcing and casualisation as inhuman.

    Speaking at the ‘2016 Decent Work’ organised by the association, Salako blamed the three tiers of government for not making the war against the menace easy, noting that governments  also encouraged the  use of contract staff, outsourcing and casualisation.

    Salako, who described outsourcing and casualisation as modern slavery that should be eschewed from the workplace across the country, noted that the 2016 edition of decent work was very crucial based on the danger casualisation and outsourcing posing for workers’ wellbeing.

    The Deputy President of the Union, Comrade Oyinkan Olagunsoye, urged union members to strive to always protect the interest of one another.

    Speaking on the topic: “Building Workers Power Against Corporate Greed and Week Corporate Governance”, the Guest Speaker, Mr. Martins Smart, said: “Majority of corporate bodies and some government agencies regrettably use work force as tool to remain afloat without putting in place good welfare package that will cater for the interest of the workers.

    Smart said the question is should workers pay the price for the greed and weaknesses of organisations and the utter failures of regulatory bodies to monitor corporate organisations more effectively by ensuring that policies and guidelines laid down in corporate governance template are strictly adhered to?

    Martins, who is the MD/CEO, Martco Consulting Services, said it was time workers no longer be used and dumped by employers.

    He called on union leaders to always be seen as useful tools in the workplace, saying workers need to be more involved in taking decisions at all levels where welfare matters are to be discussed. He said organisations, on their part, should regard people as the greatest assets they cannot treat with levity.

    “The issue of corporate governance should be properly enforced by various regulatory authorities to the extent that they should have zero tolerance for defiance, corporate greed and weak corporate governance. The leaders of workers’ unions should embark on aggressive mobilisation or unionisation of all companies in Nigeria,” he said.

    Worried by the lackadaisical attitude towards workers in the country, Martins said the only way workers could guide against employers’ weak corporate governance was through strict implementation of statutory framework for corporate governance.

    He urged the three tiers of government to ensure the enforcement mechanism are dully carried out so as to safeguard the interest of workers. This, according to him, will encourage more investments in Nigeria and help tackle the current economic recession.

  • Ngige warns against casualisation

    Ngige warns against casualisation

    •NUFBTE opens hotel in Lagos

    The  Labour and Employment Minister, Senator Chris Ngige, has warned employers against casualisation of workers.

    He gave the warning at the opening of the second phase of the Food Union Hotel and Suites, owned by the National Union of Food Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), in Lagos.

    He said workers have a right to belong to a union of their choice and no employer should deny them that.

    “Protecting employers/employees relationship is our job, and workers’ rights are well stipulated in our Constitution as well as backed by the International Labour Convention. So, to ensure that organised labour can organise their members without any threat or intimidation, we will back them up with appropriate regulations,” he said.

    According to him,  some of the employers that indulged in casualisation did that out of ignorance. He added that ignorance in law is not an excuse.

    The Minister, who noted that employers are better off with a union, cautioned against manipulation and imposition of stooges as officers by some employers.

    Senator Ngige, who praised the leadership of NUFBTE for diversifying into entrepreneurship, building of hotels, water packaging as well as some other ventures, said such a feat would make the union stronger.

    “It is when a union is independent that it can become strong physically and financially. You’ve been able to move from union of employees to a union of employers. However, reward for good work is more work; so we are looking forward to inaugurating more of this in other states and Abuja,” he said.

    NUFBTE National President   Lateef Oyelekan said the union’s diversification was borne out of the need to provide alternative sources of funds to finance its programmes.

    Oyelekan, who urged the Federal Government to address importation of beverages and confectioneries, which is killing the local industries, said the local industries were capable of meeting local needs.

    He presented a customised- packaged water made for President Muhammadu Buhari and the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, to the Minister for presentation to them.

    “We also want to tell the Minister that our water factory is ready to produce a customised water for the October 1 Independence celebration, so we want the minister to take the message to Mr. President,” he said.

    The Labour leader condemned the abuse of expatriate quotas by some foreign companies,  especially the Chinese and the Indians, who have made most jobs meant for Nigerians to be taken over by the less competent foreigners.

    Earlier, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, tasked other industrial unions in the Congress to key into such entrepreneurial ventures, which NUFBTE has been able to exemplified through  the construction of the hotels and other projects.

    “It is an opportunity for us to show the world that even as a working class, we can show the way, show union powers, if we are able to be independent. It is only independent unions that will provide better protection for members,” he said.

    Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC) Managing Director, George Polymenakos, said the feat by the union, was a testimony of what a great vision could achieve, adding that the company would continue to partner the union to achieve more.

  • Casualisation is modern slavery, says commissioner

    Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr Abdulhakeem Abdullateef has described casualisation as modern slavery and despicable.

    In a statement issued yesterday to mark May Day, he said casualisation exposes Nigerians to exploitation by employers.

    Casual workers in most establishments, he noted, are denied some benefits, such as career progression and access to soft loans.

    “It is worrisome to see companies and establishments owned by foreigners and Nigerians engaging people as casual workers. They are overworked yet underpaid and denied benefits that would enhance their safety at work place,” he said.

    The commissioner called for the promotion of dignity in labour to achieve efficient performance and higher productivity among workers.

    Nigerian workers Abdullateef said, were critical partners that deserve better treatment in changing the country’s image.

    He said: “Workers should not be treated like animals, they are God’s creatures. Their children deserve better education. Employers alone cannot grow their businesses, they need workers input as well. So treat them well and respect their rights as citizens for optimal productivity.

    “When workers are treated well, you are helping them to build responsible homes. Members of such homes will in their own way also contribute to the growth of the country rather than becoming a nuisance and burden to the larger society.

    “As we mark Workers Day, I urge employers to prioritise safety of their workforce because life is sacred and should be treated as such. The inability of some states to pay workers salary is a pointer to the fact that Nigeria needs to take proactive measures at diversifying the economy.

    “The agricultural sector is capable to address increasing cases of unemployment if promoted and made attractive to the youth. Acquisition of trades and vocational skills among youths should also be encouraged. However, prudence in government spending, blockage of leakages and promotion of 24 hours economy would also go a long way in addressing the challenges of unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria.

    “It is also not out of place if employers introduce ‘hazard allowances’ or pay back scheme to appreciate doggedness and commitment of essential workers like security operatives, medical practitioners and journalists among others who are at their duty posts during festivals and public holidays when others are resting in their various homes.

    “Safety principles and hazard preventive strategies must also not be toyed with to enhance greater productivity at workplaces.”

  • ‘Govt not committed to stopping casualisation’

    The National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW), has accused the Federal Government of not doing enough to stop casualisation among employers in the country.

    It said government has also failed to ensure compliance with the terms of contracts for capital projects, adding that Chinese companies should be made to adhere to the expatriate quota policy in the industry.

    It accused the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity of lack of will power to call to order employers who are enslaving Nigerians under the guise of casualisation and outsourcing.

    President, NUCECFWW, Comrade Amechi Asugwuni, who made the accusations at a press conference in Lagos, explained that the trend is dangerous to the economic survival of the nation.

    He said the level of casualisation in the construction sector by foreign companies is worrisome. “We are more concerned that the Federal Government has not done enough in checking the abuse of expatriate quota by Daewoo Nigeria Limited, Alcon Nigeria and other Chinese construction companies despite several regulations that could be leveraged to curb the phenomenon, such as the regulation that stipulates that before any organisation can import workers, such position must be advertised for Nigerians,” he said.

    Comrade Asugwuni, said casualisation has denied workers the right to permanent employment and freedom of association, adding that government has failed to put in place the right policies and programmes that would promote good working environment for workers in the country. He threatened that the union will proceed on an industrial action as soon as the leadership of the congress so directs.

    The NUCECFWW President said one of the ills of unfair labour practices in the construction industry, which is of great concern to the union is casualisation, which has denied its members the right to freedom of association and to become permanent members of staff.

    He said government is not putting in place the right policies and programmes that will promote good working environment for workers in the country.

    He argued that Section 7 (1) of the Labour Act, Cap 198 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990 provides that: “Not later than three months after the beginning of a worker’s period of employment with an employer, the employer shall give to the worker a written statement, specifying the terms and conditions of employment, which include the nature of the employment, if the contract is for a fixed term, and the date when the contract expires.

    Asugwuni said the time has come to take bold steps to correct the anomalies associated with casualisation as it will create an opportunity to address other issues of good working conditions for Nigerian workers.

    He listed Chinese construction companies that have allegedly not been observing all relevant labour laws in Nigeria to include China Engineering Construction Company (CECC), China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC), and CGC Nigeria Limited.

    He said the union was compelled to register its displeasure, and that it would down tools if nothing is done.

    However, efforts to get response from Daewoo Nigeria  Ltd and China Engineering Construction Company did not yield any result as they both failed to pick calls nor response to text messages.

  • Construction workers threaten strike over casualisation

    • Chinese firms gets 14-day ultimatum

    The National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to Chinese construction firms over what it termed unfair labour practices in Nigeria, particularly the casualisation of  workers in all its sites and offices.

    The Union threatened to commence industrial action from July 17 when the ultimatum expires should the Chinese construction companies fail to stop their unholy labour practices.

    At a briefing at the Union’s National Secretariat in Lagos, the President-General of NUCECFWW Comrade Amechi Asugwuni said the Chinese construction companies, including China Engineering Construction Company (CECC), China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC), and CGC Nigeria Limited have been observing all relevant labour laws in Nigeria only in the breach hence, the Union was compelled to register its displeasure and disappointment.

    Asugwuni said apart from the casualisation of 90 per cent of workers, the Chinese construction firms refused to adhere to safety rules, such as conveying workers to work places with open trucks and trailers, complete disregard to provision of medical attention to workers, and neglect to other health and safety rules such as use of safety wears.

    Other alleged anti-labour practices by the Chinese construction companies, which did not go down well with the Union include intimidation and victimisation of workers, refusal to unionise the workers, none adherence to the provisions of the local content policy, which made human resources/industrial relations practice difficult and non-implementation of the NJIC Agreement.

    “The National Headquarters of the Union cannot fold its arms and watch yet another era of labour slavery and exploitation, despite series of agreements reached between the Union and the management of the Chinese construction companies in Nigeria to put a stop to these un-holy practices, none of which was implemented,” Asugwuni warned.

    He noted: “The action of the management of the Chinese construction companies amounted to not just a violation of the fundamental rights of the workers, but also a clear violation of the Nigeria labour laws, constitution and international conventions and standards.

    “In the light of the fore-going, the Union has already issued a 14-day ultimatum to all Chinese construction companies in Nigeria within which all issues enumerated are fully implemented or face industrial actions nationwide,” he said, accusing the government of failing to prevail on the Chinese companies to adhere to the expatriate quota policy.

    He accused the government of failing to enforce strict compliance with the terms of contract for capital projects.