The Nation Newspaper

Tag: workers

  • UNIOSUN crisis divides workers

    UNIOSUN crisis divides workers

    The crisis rocking the Osun State University (UINOSUN) is far from being resolved as workers unions are holding divergent positions on the sack of three principal officers by the governing council.

    Last week, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bashiru Okesina, was recommended for sack but the Registrar and Bursar, Dr. J.O. Faniran and Mr. F.A. Lasisi, were relived of their jobs.

    A statement by its Chairman and General Secretary, Lekan Adiat and A. Adesigbin, after the emergency congress of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU)  advised the Governing Council to wait for the Visitor, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, to release the White Paper of the visitation panel set up by the government.

    SSANU said: “We are aware that the visitation panel report had been submitted to the governor and we are also aware that the White Paper is almost completed.

    “We advise Governor Aregbesola to release the White Paper. Its prompt release will serve as an antidote to resolving the crisis in the university.”

    Also, a delegate to the Governing Council, Prof. Wasiu Gbolagade, has written the Visitor on why he disagreeed with the sack.

    In the letter, Gbolagade said: “I reminded the Governing Council that the Panel was set up by the Visitor to look into all the issues causing crises in the university; one of which is the abrupt suspension of the principal officers.

    “Consequently, taking this further step of recommending the vice-chancellor for removal and termination of the appointments of the registrar and bursar is a premature action.

    “It is worthy to note that the panel Chairman, Prof Daramola Adebiyi, while submitting the panel’s report, said the crises “rocking the institution had nothing to do with religion as being speculated” and were solely “administrative lapses”, hence, the Council’s decision is too abrupt and unjustifiable in my opinion.”

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has condemned the sack, describing the development as prejudicial and done in bad faith.

    But a group of lecturers, Senior Professors of the Osun State University, faulted ASUU’s position.

    Prof. Abayomi Kizito Folorunso (French Studies), Prof. Christopher Alebiosu (Medicine), Prof. Temi Ologunorisa (Climatology), Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye (Agronomy) and Prof. Pat Akinwusi (Cardiologist) signed a statement against ASUU’s position.

    The statement reads: “We are dismayed by the recent statement of the ASUU-UNIOSUN Executive on the decision of Council to terminate the appointments of some principal officers and the subsequent recommendation of same for the vice-chancellor.

    “We, therefore, dissociate ourselves from the said statement because it did not emanate from the Congress of our Union.

    “In the absence of a collective ASUU congress, whatever statement  the ASUU chairman and his cronies have released should be disregarded by the public.

    “We are a group of intellectuals with strong belief in debate before final decisions will be taken on an issue as sensitive as termination of appointment.

    “In a situation where a group of individuals take advantage of the docility of our branch to ride roughshod on congress will always be challenged.”

  • Alumni: pay EKSU workers now

    Alumni: pay EKSU workers now

    The Ekiti State University (EKSU) Alumni Association has called on Governor Ayo Fayose to pay the salary arrears owed workers.

    The association also demanded the constitution of a governing council to ease the burden and pressure on the governor in the day-to-day management of the university.

    In a statement by EKSU Alumni Association president, Dr. Matthew Adedeji Ayeni, the body decried the incessant crisis rocking the institution, describing the phenomenon as “embarrassing”.

    Three workers’ unions: Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), last week shut down the university to protest the non-payment of their three-month arrears.

    The alumni association regretted that EKSU was facing a lot of challenges, which apparently lead to frequent industrial actions by the academic and non-academic staff.

    The association noted that due to the perennial and incessant strikes, the number of students’ enrollment has dropped.

  • Workers protest non-disbursement of governor’s ‘largesse’

    •Shut down liaison office in Abuja

    Protesting workers of the  Akwa Ibom State Government workers protested yesterday at the state’s liaison office in Abuja over allegation that over N20 million meant for their welfare was being withheld by some senior officials.

    By 8am, the main entrance to the liaison office, the Akwa Ibom House in the Central Business District, was shut by the angry workers.

    They prevented senior workers, including the Permanent Secretary, Uduak Georde Iwoh, from exiting the building.

    For hours, people were prevented from either entering or leaving the building, which is also occupied by some private agencies.

    The workers said they would sustain the protest until the Permanent Secretary and the Accountant, Ekan Essient Inyang, account for the funds allegedly released last December by Governor Godswill Akpabio for about 900 workers of various agencies of the state in Abuja.

    Secretary to the Permanent Secretary, Kelvin Umana said the workers were protesting to compel the Permanent Secretary and the Accountant to explain why the money had not been disbursed.

    He said the workers confirmed that the money was released last December by the governor.

    Umana said: “The money has always been released to us every December as end-of-year gift from the governor. The governor has been good to us and has always given us this money. We have always released the money every December. But last December’s money has been withheld by some people.

    “We suspect the money is between the Permanent Secretary and the Accountant. That is why we are protesting. We will continue to protest until they account for the money. We have confirmed from relevant quarters in Uyo that the money had been released. We know some people want to keep the money until Governor Akpabio leaves office on May 29.

    “Those keeping the money will be compelled to release it. We will not stop our protest until the Permanent Secretary and the Accountant are prevailed upon to release the money. We appeal to our governor to prevail on those withholding the money to release it. They are trying to rubbish the good work and worthy intention of our governor.”

     

     

  • NLC may direct workers to stay at home – Aremu

    NLC may direct workers to stay at home – Aremu

    The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday threatened to direct workers to stay at home if the fuel scarcity being experienced across the country persisted.

    The NLC Deputy National President, Isa Aremu stated this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Kaduna.

    The NLC statement is coming barely four days before the PDP led government would hand over the affairs of the nation to the new President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, May 29.

    “If the Current scarcity and price robbery of Nigerians continues NLC will have no choice but compel workers to stay at home.

    “Workers certainly cannot fuel themselves to work with their blood. There is limit to slavery and state marketers’ extortion.

    “With an outgiong president and incoming one, five past heads of state alive, 36 state governors and hundreds of legislators and scores of ministers, no country on earth parades the highest number of state actors like Nigeria.

    “Yet there is no governance with respect to distribution of basic products like petroleum and Kerosene,”

    According to him, it is time Nigerians stop agonising in the hands of cabals holding the nation to ransom for several weeks through deliberate deprivation of petroleum products.

    “What is happening in Nigeria amounts to economicide, which is a conscious subjugation of 170 million people to economic ruination through unsustainable petroleum import-based racket.

    “This is an unofficial declaration of war against the citizens by combined forces of irresponsible ruling elite and business crooks.“

    “This agony of capitalism must be mass resisted by all Nigerians, “ he said

  • We’re dying, Ondo electricity workers cry out

    Hundreds of contract staff of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in Ondo State marched on Akure, the state capital, to protest the non-payment of their severance package.

    The aggrieved protesters carried placards with various inscriptions, such as “We served for over 15 years without payment and benefits”; “Over 70 casual workers are yet to be regularised in Akure business district”; “No regulation, no payment and many of us are dead”

    They said they were laid off verbally and the management had been promising to pay them.

    The contract staff lamented that many of them have served for 15 years, with nothing to show for it.

    A protester, Tunde Bada, said it was very unfortunate that after two years of privatisation they are yet to receive anything from the government.

    “We are Nigerians and how can we serve in our fatherland without pay?

    “Some are dead and it is so sad that they died without receiving their benefits.

    “We are pleading with the government to help us, we are dying, you can see some of these aged people, we have dependents.”

    Jacob Aluko lamented that he could not afford to feed his family again.

    Aluko, who was the head of the Human Resources Department at Idanre, urged the incoming government to listen to their complaints by ensuring they are paid.

  • Edo workers shelve strike

    Organised Labour in Edo State has suspended its planned three-day warning strike.

    This follwed the government’s position that Head of Service (HOS) Jerry Obazele acted “wrongly” by “deducting workers’ salaries without consulting them”.

    Labour leaders, last week, directed Edo workers to begin the warning strike over the deduction of eight per cent from their May 2015 salaries, as pension contributions.

    The workers argued that the deductions contradicted the State Contributory Pension Scheme Law of 2010.

    NLC State Chairman Emmanuel Ademokun said the  workers were assured that earlier deductions from their salaries would be restored while a new date would be fixed for the beginning of a new pension scheme.

    He said: “We have suspended the strike because the circular that led to the strike has been withdrawn; it was withdrawn when we met the governor and it was agreed that the HOS acted wrongly by issuing the circular.

    “The government also said salaries withdrawn and computerisation would be restored immediately while a new date will be fixed for the commencement of a new scheme. They (workers) will resume work tomorrow (today).”

  • ‎Sally Mbanefo in cloud nine over workers confidence

    ‎Sally Mbanefo in cloud nine over workers confidence

    Few experiences can be more fulfilling than your fans defending your integrity while you are being adorned with a crown. That is the feeling being experienced by the Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Sally Mabanefo, following the confidence reposed in her by workers of the corporation.

    The fair-complexioned head of the nation’s tourism commission has also attracted her fair share of criticisms from people she describes as her detractors. It came as no surprise when she was reported to be at loggerheads with her workers over her alleged intention to sell off the corporation’s property ahead of the May 29 handover date.

    But defending the honour of their boss, the workers have debunked the allegation. In a rejoinder, signed by the workers’ union Chairman, Comrade Unwuchola Okpomo and Secretary, Comrade Dankano Chise, they stated that Mbanefo has striven tirelessly to develop the corporation and denied being at war with their boss over alleged attempt by her to sell the corporation’s property.

    Mbanefo, who had also denied the allegation, praised the courage of the workers’ union in “revealing the truth,” adding that she has always focused on rebranding the tourism industry in Nigeria rather that seeing it off.

  • Striking workers ground MTN’s operations

    Striking workers ground MTN’s operations

    If MTN is your network, you may have experienced some delays with their call centres yesterday.

    Reason: About 2,000 workers at the South African mobile phone operator went on strike demanding higher pay, union leaders said, threatening a prolonged walkout at the nation’s second-biggest telecoms firm.

    Spokeswoman for the Communication Workers Union (CWU), Zodwa Kubeka, said its members at MTN want a 10 per cent pay rise and higher allowances for work done over weekends and holidays, its embers of have downed tools.

    They have gathered at the company’s headquarters in Johannesburg to demand changes to their salary and bonus payments.

    Other demands include the return of canteen subsidies, cellphone allowances and the introduction of a rewards programme.

    Unions are demanding a ten per cent wage hike and sixteen per cent bonus.

    MTN is currently offering a five per cent salary hike, a four percent bonus, plus a guaranteed 13th cheque.

    Call centre agents and IT technicians are amongst those striking.

    However, the telco said it had contingency plans in place to mitigate the effects of a strike described by the CWU as “the biggest industrial action in the company’s history”.

    The dispute centres on annual bonus payments, but this is one of many battles between MTN and the union, which is pushing for bargaining rights.

    The union said it had experienced rapid growth in membership and was demanding a recognition agreement based on sufficient representivity. The CWU said it could achieve more than 50 per cent in some bargaining units in MTN.

    MTN had offered the four per cent in conjunction with a guaranteed 13th cheque — about eight per cent of annual salary — as part of a review of the bonus model, MTN chief human resources officer Themba Nyathi said.

    This, he said, had exceeded the original demand from the CWU, which had subsequently also asked for an across-the-board salary increase. Salary increases above five per cent would hinge on an individual meeting or exceeding performance criteria, which was company policy internationally, Mr Nyathi said.

    The CWU is not recognised nor does it have bargaining rights at MTN SA, which has no recognised trade unions. The union said it had about 2,000 members at MTN.

    Mr Nyathi said the union had 19 per cent membership at MTN SA — or about 1,000 out of 5,000 staff — thus the company anticipated most of its workers would not strike.

  • PSSDC harps on quality service delivery by public workers

    PSSDC harps on quality service delivery by public workers

    For Lagos State to realise its vision of becoming Africa’s model megacity, its workers must continually deliver quality service residents, who daily transact business in the state or require its services.

    The Director-General of the state’s Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Mrs Olubunmi Fabamwo, said this at the celebration of the Service Charter Day, and the unveiling of the centre’s service charter document.

    At the event, which held at the centre’s library in Magodo, Mrs Fabamwo said as a capacity building institution and one of the 14 pilot Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs), for the charter, PSSDC will continue to train manpower that would be change agents in running government business.

    Describing service as critical to government, Fabamwo said workers must key into delivering cutting edge services, and that was why PSSDC as the training arm of government keyed into the charter to build a sustainable platform for the state to continue getting things right.

    Noting that no leader can be effective if he cannot serve, Mrs Fabamwo said the best leaders are good servants. “Leadership is service and service is leadership,” Mrs Fabamwo noted.

    She added that PSSDC is committed to the vision of Governor Babatunde Fashola who, while launching the charter in 2012, looked forward to building a state with a strong cultural identity that would not only drive the nation’s social and political trends, but become one of the top 10 megacities of the world in terms of urban living indices.

    She said the service charter is meant to inculcate in all public workers the fact that they are employed to give quality, fast and reliable service to the over 20 million residents of Lagos, who would need their services everyday. She said a well trained worker, who internalised this ethos would go ahead and with others to build strong and virile institutions that would sustain an enduring legacy  for coming generations.

  • South Africa’s Eskom says most workers resume work at Medupi

    More than half of the 8,000 workers who embarked on a wildcat strike seven weeks ago at South African power firm Eskom’s Medupi plant are back at work, the state-owned firm has said.

    Thousands of workers at Medupi, where one of six units neared maximum output last week following years of delay, downed tools in March in protest over poor living conditions and demanding higher pay.

    “We have 5,000 people on the ground who have been cleared who have appeared before the disciplinary committees,” Khulu Phasiwe, spokesperson for the utility, told Reuters.

    “We only have about 3,000 more to go,” Phasiwe added.

    Phasiwe said disciplinary hearings would be completed by the end of the month, having been delayed by a court challenge lodged by the National Union of Metalworkers (NUMSA) on Friday blocking the eviction of workers from Medupi’s living quarters.

    NUMSA representatives could not be reached for comment.

    The plant may face further labour disruptions, with unions warning they would oppose a proposal to partially privatise Eskom as announced last week by the Treasury.

    Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene on Monday reiterated the government’s willingness to sell a minority stake in Eskom to plug the utility’s 200 billion rand ($17 billion) funding gap.

    Started in 2007 but plagued by labour disruptions, technical faults and cost overruns, Medupi would become South Africa’s first new power station in 20 years when fully completed by 2021, adding 4,800 MW to the stretched grid.