Stories by Matthew Denis
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kwara State branch on Wednesday picketed MTN office along Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin.
The development is in continuation of the union’s picketing of the multinational company’s operational office in part of the country over alleged unfair labour practices.
NLC led by the state Chairman, Comrade Yekeen Agunbiade, stormed the centre and disrupted operations.
The union had on Tuesday crippled activities at the company’s operational office at Ibrahim Taiwo road, Ilorin.
Addressing MTN workers on Wednesday, Agunbiade vowed that NLC would not relent until the company respected workers’ rights as regards their promotion, improved salary and welfarism.
He explained that they are picketing MTN Nigeria over alleged casualisation and non unionisation of workers.
The Chairman said, “The congress would ensure that MTN Nigeria adhere to labour rules and provide improved work condition for its workers.”
He threatened that if the company refused to adhere to the rules, the union would disrupt its service to the public nationwide.
Earlier on Monday, the Deputy National President, Comrade Issa Aremu noted that MTN did not ensure welfare of Nigerian workers as done to their counterparts in other Africa countries.
Aremu emphasised that MTN, which is owned and operated by South Africa allows for unionism in their country while treating Nigerian employees like slaves here as employees.
He stated that they have approached the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to take drastic action by enforcing compliance by MTN on existing labour laws.
The congress had sealed the office with posters inscription, “Say no to anti-union activity by MTN,” It is slavery, unionism is a production of good remuneration package in an organizeation, unionise your staff for bargaining power to negotiate by NLC among others.”
