NLC issues strike 14-day ultimatum

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to embark on industrial action if banks that sacked their workers fail to recall them.

The financial institution has been hit by a wave of mass sack with more than 2000 bakers relieved of their duties in the affected banks.

The Punch reports that a 14-day ultimatum was issued to banks in a letter signed by the deputy general secretary of the NLC, Mr. Chris Uyot, on behalf of the president, Mr. Ayuba Wabba.

The letter stated 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 did not adhere to labour laws when it arbitrarily sacked the workers.

Uyo said that at the expiration of the ultimatum an industrial action will be activated and the branches of all the affected banks will be shut down.

He accused the management of the banks of sanctioning unionism among workers and disclosed that the ultimatum begins on Thursday, June 16.

The letter read: “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 unionisation 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 unionisation 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.”