The Automobile Boatyards Transport Equipment and Allied Senior Staff Association (AUTOBATE), has accused Nigerdock Free Zone Establishment (FZE) of laying off its members in flagrant disobedient to the labour laws.

Comrade Michael Ugwuadu, President, AUTOBATE in a press conference with journalists in Lagos on Thursday said that 13 of its members who work in Nigerdock were unilaterally declared redundant by the management of the company without the involvement of the union.

Ugwuadu alleged that the management of Nigerdock FZE, flagrantly displayed anti-workers and carried out illegal and unprocedural redundancy of its members on February 24, 2023.

According to him, the action of the maritime company violated Section 20 of the Labour Act, which stipulate on reduction of workers.

He said: “On February 24, 2023, the management of Nigerdock FZE unilaterally and arbitrarily declared 13 members of our union, the AUTOBATE Senior Staff Association, redundant and terminated their employment contracts without due process and consultation.

“This action violates Section 20 of the Labour Act, which stipulates that an employer who wishes to reduce its workforce must inform the trade union or workers’ representatives and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment of the reasons for and extent of the anticipated redundancy.

“The employer must also adopt the principle of ‘last in, first out’ in the discharge of the particular category of workers affected, subject to all factors of relative merit, including skill, ability and reliability.”

Ugwuadu emphasised that by this action, the management of Nigerdock FZE had also disregarded the principle of social dialogue and collective bargaining, which are essential for maintaining harmonious industrial relations and ensuring fair and decent work conditions.

The President stated that the union made repeated attempts to engage the management in constructive dialogue, mediation and conciliation meetings at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ikoyi, but the management remained adamant on its position.

He insisted that the management had further failed to pay the affected workers their full entitlements and benefits as stipulated in the agreement despite the lay-off of its members.

He explained further that the union declared trade dispute against the management of Nigerdock and had gone through both mediation and conciliation process as stated by the Trade Dispute Act to resolve the matter, but without success.

“It is noteworthy also to state that the conciliation session where communiqué of disagreement the management of Nigerdock was rebuked by the conciliator on its refusal to comply with the extant labour laws and existing collective bargaining agreements.

“That is a demonstration of impunity and we want the public and industrial administrator to take note of that. This is not the first time that the management of Nigerdock FZE has acted in bad faith and violated labour rights,” he added.

According to him, in August 2022, Nigerdock unilaterally declared 17 of its members without following due process and consultation.

This action led to the reprimanding of the company by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ikoyi and was ordered to reinstate the affected workers or pay them adequate compensation.

But, regretted that a year later, the company was yet to comply with the directive of the ministry.

The union further called on its parent body, Trade Union Congress (TUC) to protect the members and equally appealed to Nigerians, especially workers in the automobile, oil and gas and maritime sector, to support the cause. (Daily Independent)

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