The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE) has urged the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to ensure protection of workers’ rights in the ongoing sale of banks.
The National Secretary of the union, Malam Muhammed Sheikh, made the plea on Tuesday in Lagos during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
NAN reports that AMCON has concluded plans to sell off the assets of Mainstream, Enterprise, Heritage, and Keystone banks.
Sheikh said that the preservation of workers employment and their rights should be a priority to the corporation to avoid labour unrest.
“While the union is not disputing the corporation’s right and responsibility to execute its mandate in relation to the bridge banks, we expected that certain issues be handled carefully.
“As a responsible union, we expect AMCON to take cognisance of not only the rights of workers in all circumstances but to also ensure those rights are protected accordingly.
“It is pertinent to ensure a seamless transition and integration of the operations and workers in these banks. So, both the union and AMCON need to work together to address all conflict areas.
“Consequential matter relating to workers’ rights, especially the envisaged job losses, transfer of years of service, continued recognition of their rights to unionise, condition of service should be addressed,’’ he said.
Sheikh said that labour laws should be respected in the transactions to save all avoidable labour unrests.
“A sustainable banking industry approach recongnises and respects human and labour rights in a bank’s business operations and business activities.
“Key policies and requirements should include recognition of employee’s entitlement to safe and fair labour conditions and to exercise collective and individual rights to associate and speak freely as allowed by national laws.
“It is our expectation that AMCON and prospective buyers of these banks should have taken cognisance of the provision of the law under the collective agreement and includes union in the sales process.
“We urge the corporation to do the needful by engaging the union within the shortest possible time to ensure a post sale seamless transition and integration.
“It is our belief that any form of industrial unrest, especially at this trying period in our country should be avoided,’’ he said.
Sheikh said the union was always available for discussion with all concerned parties in the transactions. (NAN)
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