Workers’ Right Abuse: NIRA Blames It On Unemployment

The Nigerian Industrial Relations Association (NIRA) said on Friday in Lagos that high unemployment had led to abuse of workers’ rights in the country.

In a communiqué at the end of its roundtable on Industrial Relations in the Banking Industry, NIRA said employers, especially in the banking sector, had capitalised on unemployment to maltreat workers.

The communiqué signed by Mr Ranti Samuel, NIRA coordinator, noted that workers’ welfare such as hours at work, holidays and terms of pay, were not regulated while workers were retrenched arbitrarily.

“The crisis in the banking sector is a self-inflicted one because the concepts of professionalism and objectivity have changed drastically in the sector, especially in the area of recruitment and service.”

“Appointments and promotions in the sector are no longer based on performance and merit but on deposits which promoted high labour mobility in the system,’’ it said.

It stated that many employees in the sector could not fight for their rights because of poor awareness and orientation.

It said that social dialogue had not been given the rightful place in the banking sector as several insurance companies and microfinance banks did not allow unionism, thereby exploiting labour.

The communiqué said that measures should be taken to reduce unfair labour practices, and that this should include seeking redress in court.

“Issues of professionalism should be encouraged in the banking system and fair hearing should include thorough investigation on any given matter,’’ it said.

It advised employers in the sector to avoid unwholesome practices and operate within the context of the law.

It also urged unions and management to work together for growth and development.

The Nigerian Industrial Relations Association (NIRA) said on Friday in Lagos that high unemployment had led to abuse of workers’ rights in the country.

In a communiqué at the end of its roundtable on Industrial Relations in the Banking Industry, NIRA said employers, especially in the banking sector, had capitalised on unemployment to maltreat workers.

The communiqué signed by Mr Ranti Samuel, NIRA coordinator, noted that workers’ welfare such as hours at work, holidays and terms of pay, were not regulated while workers were retrenched arbitrarily.

“The crisis in the banking sector is a self-inflicted one because the concepts of professionalism and objectivity have changed drastically in the sector, especially in the area of recruitment and service.”

“Appointments and promotions in the sector are no longer based on performance and merit but on deposits which promoted high labour mobility in the system,’’ it said.

It stated that many employees in the sector could not fight for their rights because of poor awareness and orientation.

It said that social dialogue had not been given the rightful place in the banking sector as several insurance companies and microfinance banks did not allow unionism, thereby exploiting labour.

The communiqué said that measures should be taken to reduce unfair labour practices, and that this should include seeking redress in court.

“Issues of professionalism should be encouraged in the banking system and fair hearing should include thorough investigation on any given matter,’’ it said.

It advised employers in the sector to avoid unwholesome practices and operate within the context of the law.

It also urged unions and management to work together for growth and development.