By Amaka Obi, Abuja
Following the recent sack of workers by Access Bank, the Federal Government has urged employers to first obtain clearance before attempting to sack workers because of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Recall that the news on the retrenchment of more than 800 workers of Access Bank and slash of salaries up to 40% of retained staff was first reported by Premium Reporters.
Reacting to the sack through a statement made available to Premium Reporters yesterday, minister of Labour, Chris Ngige said the government is working hard to create more jobs and are talking with employers of labour to protect the jobs of our citizens.
…”Along this line, talks are currently ongoing between the Presidential Economic Sustainability council and employers on job protection and even job creation at this time and progressively to post Covid-19 crisis”.
“I wish to sate that employers will not be encouraged to disengage staff without prerequisite Social Dialogue and clearance from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
In light of today celebration as May Day (Workers Day), The APC Chairman Adams Oshiomhole sent a plea to Nigerian workers asking employers not to sack workers or cut salaries. He implored that the private sector employers should act as accountable social partners.
“This crisis will surely bring to the fore its burdens. Employers should be compassionate enough not to shift the burdens exclusively on the workers” Dispensing labour should not be the first option as organizations re-strategize their way our of the crisis,”
…”cutting wages is most unhelpful in the circumstance. it’s like asking an anaemic patient to donate blood to save the lives of other patients in need of blood transfusion.” he said
