NLC Issues Notice of strike To FirstBank, Diamond, Ecobank, Others Over Mass Sack

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Wednesday, issued a strike notice to six banks threatening to shut down the banks and their outlets nationwide if they failed to recall sacked staffs.
However, the NLC gave the banks a 14-day ultimatum, commencing  from today, “to immediately recall all workers so sacked and allow unionisation of workers or face industrial action.”

The banks involved are Fidelity Bank, Diamond Bank, First City Monumental Bank, FirstBank, Ecobank and Skye Bank.

The letter, entitled: “Notice on mass sack of workers in your bank,” was addressed differently to the managers of the banks.

Signed by the deputy general secretary, Comrade Chris Uyot, on behalf of the NLC president, the congress accuse the banks to have arbitrarily sacked a large number of workers, contrary to laid down procedures and the country’s extant labour laws.

In addition, it said the banks had resisted unionisation of workers, despite efforts from the in–house unions.

“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 (NUBIFIE), 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 14 days’ ultimatum commencing  from Thursday, June 16, 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,” the letter read