Tight Security As NLC Pickets Kaduna MTN Office
BY AMOS TAUNA, KADUNA – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Kaduna State chapter on Tuesday picketed the Kaduna office of the MTN, paralysing activities of the telecommunication company for hours.
The action, which was in compliance with directives from NLC’s National Headquarters, saw heavily armed personnel from the state owned security outfit, ‘Operation Yaki’ on ground to prevent likely breakdown of laws and order.
The security personnel, numbering over 20, came in two Hilux vehicles, while the protesting workers were led by the State NLC chairman, Comrade Ango Adamu and other labour leaders.
Addressing newsmen on their action, the NLC leaders said it was organised as a peaceful protest to engage the telecom outfit’s management and demand for the rights of Nigerian workers.
Comrade Adamu maintained that Nigerian workers will not be a slave in their own country, adding that “no room for casual workers in the labour extant rules of engagement.”
According to him, “What is being done in Nigeria cannot be done in South Africa. Casualization is slave labour and will not be tolerated. We are here to request that the telecommunication outfit should comply with Nigeria labour law. We will fight against all forms of exploitation.”
The protesting workers sang solidarity songs and carried placards displaying various inscriptions such as: ‘We shall overcome slavery, freedom come by struggle’; ‘Workers rights are human rights’; ‘No to precarious work, yes to dignity of labour’; ‘No to corruption, yes to good governance’; and ‘Workers should be given their pride of place’ among others
Reacting to the workers’ protest, Area Manager of MTN, Kaduna Area office, Fatima Abba Paris praised the labour union for conducting themselves peaceful.
She said contrary to insinuations by the labour leaders that MTN hires and fires at will, the organisation only hires based on the needs available, stressing that MTN does not hire contract staff directly.
On freedom of association by the staff, she said MTN does not stop her staff from associating with any union, but it is voluntary for them and not compulsory.
The Area manager, who said the management has noted the workers’ grievances and will readily do the needful, however said the Kaduna office has been shut to avoid possible breakdown of law and order as witnessed in some MTN offices across the country
Labour leaders that took part in the picketing include President, National Union of Textile Garments, Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), Comrade John Adaji and the State Chairman, Nigerian Union Teacher (NUT), Comrade Titus Amba.
