The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday shut down operations at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in protest against the recent dismissal of over 3,000 employees......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
The Oyo State Chapter led by its Chairman, Kayode Martin, barricaded the IBEDC office entrance, disrupting operations and causing heavy traffic along the Challenge–Dugbe axis in Ibadan.
The protesters, chanting solidarity songs, demanded the immediate reinstatement of the sacked workers and full implementation of the national minimum wage.
Martin condemned IBEDC’s outsourcing agents, accusing them of unfair labor practices, including unpaid minimum wages and arbitrary salary deductions.
“We are here today to express our total displeasure over the unjust and inhumane treatment of workers by IBEDC and their outsourcing agents.
“Over 3,000 workers have been thrown into the unemployment market without any justifiable reason. These are people who have dedicated their time and energy to this company, and they are now being treated like disposable items,” Martin said.
The NLC chairman also decried the alleged exploitation of workers by outsourcing firms.
“These outsourcing agents are not only refusing to pay the minimum wage, but they are also making arbitrary deductions from the meagre salaries of the workers. This is unacceptable, and we will not stand for it,” he asserted.
The union outlined seven key demands, including: implementation of the new minimum wage, prompt payment of Retirement Savings Account (RSA) backlogs, regularization of outsourced staff, an end to the denial of union membership for staff, provision of adequate and standard healthcare services, and payment of all outstanding allowances and compensations.
Martin urged Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and other stakeholders to intervene, warning that the mass layoffs could have severe security implications.
“We are calling on Governor Makinde and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid. The rate of unemployment in the country is already alarming, and further adding to it will only create more problems, including security challenges,” he cautioned.
He called on IBEDC’s management to engage in dialogue with the union to resolve the crisis amicably.
“We are not here to cause trouble, but we are determined to fight for the rights of our members. We are ready for dialogue, but we will not back down until our demands are met,” Martin stated.
The protest caused significant traffic congestion, leaving many commuters stranded.