The Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress on Tuesday disrupted operations at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, protesting the recent termination of over 3,000 employees.
According to The PUNCH, Led by the state NLC Chairman, Kayode Martin, union members blocked the entrance of IBEDC’s office, bringing activities to a halt and causing significant traffic congestion between Challenge and Dugbe in Ibadan.
Chanting solidarity songs, the protesters demanded the immediate reinstatement of the dismissed workers and the implementation of the national minimum wage.
Addressing the demonstrators, Martin condemned the mass layoffs and accused IBEDC’s outsourcing agents of mistreating workers through unpaid wages and arbitrary salary deductions.
“We are here today to express our total displeasure over the unjust and inhumane treatment of workers by IBEDC and their outsourcing agents,” he stated.
He criticized the company’s decision, describing it as unfair to workers who had committed their time and efforts to the organization.
“Over 3,000 workers have been thrown into the unemployment market without any justifiable reason. These are individuals who have dedicated themselves to this company, yet they are now being discarded like disposable items,” he added.
Martin also highlighted the alleged exploitation of workers by outsourcing firms linked to IBEDC.
“These agents are not only refusing to pay the national minimum wage but are also making unjustified deductions from the already meagre salaries of workers. This is unacceptable, and we will not stand for it,” he said.
Martin called on Governor Seyi Makinde and other stakeholders to intervene, warning that the mass dismissals could worsen unemployment and pose security risks.
“The rate of unemployment in the country is already alarming. Further job losses will only escalate security challenges. We urge Governor Makinde and other well-meaning Nigerians to step in,” he said.
While insisting on workers’ rights, Martin urged IBEDC to engage in dialogue with the union to find a resolution.
“We are not here to cause trouble, but we are determined to fight for the rights of our members. We are open to dialogue, but we will not back down until our demands are met,” he declared.
The protest resulted in heavy traffic in the area, leaving many commuters stranded.
