By Eberechi Obinagwam
Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) on Thursday suspended its planned actions towards the management of Heritage Bank. It, however, issued a 21-day ultimatum to resolve the issues amicably.
The suspension of the planned actions and issuance of 21 days ultimatum followed the termination of employment of over 30 members of ASSBIFI by Heritage Bank PLC without consultation or negotiations with the union, the representatives of the workers as provided by Section 20 of the Labour Act, Cap L1, LFN 2004, the sectoral Collective Agreement and other global labour best practices and standards.
In reaction to the termination, a press conference was earlier held by ASSBIFI to inform the general public of the exploitations, intimidation, oppression, deprivation and other forms of unfair labour practices being perpetrated by the Management of Heritage Bank PLC on innocent and vulnerable Nigerian workers. The bank did not change its ways, hence the intervention of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, ASSIBIFI said.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in its powers under the Trade Union Act, intervened and invited ASSBIFI and Management of Heritage Bank PLC to a meeting on Thursday 12th October, 2023 to resolve the matter.
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At the meeting, which was in line with the non-adversarial and social dialogue policies of ASSBIFl and respect for the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the planned actions were suspended and a 21-day ultimatum was issued with the belief that it was enough time for the management of Heritage Bank to review its position and settle the matter amicably.
Earlier on Thursday, while addressing the Labour Writers Association at his office, before leaving for the meeting with the Ministry of Labour, the National President of ASSBIFI, Olusoji Oluwole, emphasised the importance and the need for workers to join the union to have issues like this resolved.
He urged stakeholders to change their perspectives about unions. According to him, most organisations see the union as confrontation rather than partners in development.
“Unions are development partners, provided the organisation respects the rights and privileges of those who work with them. They only become confrontational when organisations begin to take them for granted or begin to take laws into their own hands,” he said.
He reiterated that its union will continue to look forward to such collaboration with employers for the mutual growth, development and productivity of organisations.
“As time goes on, the government, stakeholders and employers will begin to understand and appreciate the position of the union,” he said.
