Banks, Other Financial Institutions Receive Notice of Shutdown Ahead Labour Strike

The National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions Employees has issued notice of shutting down operations to all financial institutions owing to the proposed indefinite strike by the organized labour.

Recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, have resolved to shut down the country’s economy from October 3, following the inability of the federal government to roll out palliatives that would mitigate the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

Despite several moves by the government to avert the looming indefinite strike, the organized labour has insisted that until its demands are met, there would be no going back.

NLC and TUC accused the government of ignoring the plight of Nigerian workers who are faced with the hardship occasioned by the subsidy removal.

Ahead of the planned strike, the National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions Employees in a circular signed by its General Secretary, Mohammed I. Sheikh, enjoined all financial institutions to comply with the directives of the organized labour.

Mohammed, who lamented that the government failed to resolve the economic crisis bedeviling the nation, accused the government of plotting to intimidate, and silence the workers.

The circular reads partly, “Indeed, the federal government has this far, shown no inclination to amicable resolution of the socio-economic issues that require urgent attention.

“Unfortunately, it appears to be preparing to act like a wild-bull-in-a-China shop, ready to intimidate, and silence the legitimate cries of a pauperized citizenry.

“The organized labour movement and other civil society organization has onerous responsibility to ensure workers and the citizenry as a whole are protected against any adverse policies of the government at all times and it is in this regard that the current action has become inevitable.

“Consequently, all Management of Banks, Insurance, and other financial institutions are strongly advised not to inhibit in any way of form, their workers from actively participating/complying with the directive of the two congresses.

“Monitoring team will move around to ensure compliance, so be guided accordingly”.