Nigeria: Ministry Wades Into West Africa Tobacco Firm/Labour Dispute

Source from:  This Day 03/20/2012

The lingering industrial dispute between management of West Africa Tobacco Company Limited/FMCG distribution limited and labour has been resolved; following the intervention by the Ministry of Labour and Productivity. Aggrieved workers had last Wednesday shut down the factory and corporate head office of the company over alleged anti-labour practices by management; particularly the alleged victimisation of the branch Chairman, Mr. Reuben Elaiye. The workers, who were led by leaders of Food Beverages and Tobacco Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (FOBTOB), an affiliate of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) accused the management of engaging in anti-union policy by refusing to recognise the in-house union and its executive inaugurated in the company three weeks ago. The protesting workers and labour leaders had stormed the two locations of the company in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, as early as 7 am and completely paralysed all operations in the company. They chanted solidarity songs and displayed various anti-labour placards with inscription such as 'We say no to victimisation of workers due to unionisation of the company', 'Re-instate sacked members due to unionisation of the company', 'Mr. Cavin Stewart, respect Nigeria Labour Law.' Executive Secretary, FOBTOB, Mr. Ade-Ola Joseph, who spoke on behalf of the workers, explained that the company had been operating in the country for over 10 years without any union. He noted that attempt by trade union to inaugurate a branch in the company was resisted by management who sacked the newly elected branch chairman last Monday. However, representatives from the labour ministry, Mr. Olayanju Omoniyi and Mr. Olatunji, held a closed door meeting with management of the company and leaders of the union in Lagos in a bid to resolve the industrial dispute. After exhaustive deliberation, the meeting resolved that the in-house union be recognised by management in accordance with the provisions of the law. It was also agreed that no employee would be victimised on account of his involvement in union activities. The communiqué signed between labour leaders and management of the company under the auspices of ministry of labour and productivity reads: "The union and management agree that the position of the branch Chairman, Mr. Reuben Elaiye, occupied at the company has been phased out for commercial reasons. "However, in the light of the knowledge of the position he occupies in the union, the management has agreed to the continuation of his service. Meanwhile, Reuben will be paid annual leave within which period management will offer him an alternative position in a sales post, which he can accept or reject without loss of service. "The union will prevail on Reuben to refund to the management whatever amount has been paid as exit benefit should he accept the newly offered position and should he reject, he will be entitled to full redundancy benefits and would be free to pursue other carrier opportunities outside the company", the communiqué added. Enditem