THE Automobile Boatyards Transport Equipment and Allied Senior Staff Association (AUTOBATE) has condemned the management of Nigerdock FZE, a Nigerian maritime service company, for its anti-workers stance and violation of labour rights.
In a press statement signed by Comrade Michael Ugwuadu, National President, and Comrade Lai Brown, General Secretary, AUTOBATE said Nigerdock FZE had declared 13 members of the union redundant and terminated their employment contracts without due process and consultation, which violates section 20 of the Labour Act.
The union stated that it referred the matter to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, where the management was reprimanded and ordered to reinstate the affected workers or pay them adequate compensation. However, the management failed to comply with the order up to now.
AUTOBATE also expressed the negative impact of these redundancies on the livelihoods and well-being of its members and their families, and the future of Nigerdock FZE as a viable and competitive company in the maritime, oil, and gas sector if it continues to treat its workers with disdain and disrespect.
According to a part of the press statement: “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 the extent of, the anticipated redundancy”
