Business
Polaris Bank, union meeting on sack of workers ends in deadlock
The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE) has said the meeting held between it and Polaris Bank management over the sack of its members ended inconclusively.
The Secretary-General, NUBIFIE, Mohammed Sheikh, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that the meeting ended with nothing tangible to hold on to.
NAN reports that the union had on June 6, 2023, picketed the head office of the bank in Victoria Island of Lagos State over alleged violation of workers’ rights.
The union’s secretary-general accused the bank management of sacking workers without following due process required by labour laws.
The bank, however, had handed the union a letter, inviting it to a meeting to discuss and negotiate on the way forward.
Sheikh said: “We just finished the meeting, but unfortunately, the meeting could not conclude because of the fact that the demands we put across to them, the management said it may not be able to carry out the demands.
“The demand that went across was for us to have a level playing ground for negotiation.
“They are to first and foremost withdraw those sack letters and recall those workers; then we can now sit down and discuss on behalf of the workers.
“So, they declined, and said we should go ahead and discuss what the sacked workers are entitled to.
“However, we told them that our principal gave us the mandate, that firstly, in order to commence discussion, they have to rectify the wrong that they committed.
“So, it is on the grounds that we left; so, there was nothing tangible that came out of the meeting.”
The labour leader said the union would hold a Congress to discuss, and would arrive at what the next line of action would be.
According to him, the picketing held on June 6, was suspended temporarily because the management invited the union and gave a letter for a meeting.
“However, when we review the situation, we can now know the appropriate next line of action to take,” Sheikh said.
Earlier, the bank management had said that it did not violate any law in a recent disengagement of some staff, which it said was done in line with the terms of the contract guiding their engagements.
In a statement signed by the bank’s Group Head, Brand Management and Corporate Communication, Nduneche Ezurike, it however said that it had engaged and would continue to engage the union to resolve any lingering labour matters.
“Polaris Bank remains committed to fostering a harmonious working relationship and ensuring the well-being of its employees,” the bank said.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.
The NBS, in its GDP report published on Monday, said the growth rate is higher than the 3.19 percent recorded in Q2 2024.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N970 per litre for oil marketers.
This is a cut from the refinery’s N990 ex-depot price announced earlier this month, according to a statement on Sunday.
The slash would help marketers save about N20 on each litre of petrol bought from the Lekki-based plant.
Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Group’s chief branding and communications officer, said the move is the refinery’s way of appreciating Nigerians “for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true”.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement reads.
“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”
Access Bank Limited has dismissed as untrue allegations of missing fund and unethical behaviour.
The Bank in a statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media wherein allegations of missing funds and unethical behaviour have been made against Access Bank PLC.
“First and foremost, we wish to emphasise that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are core priorities which we take seriously. Second, Access Bank Plc does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour.
“In the instant case, the allegations of missing funds in the Bank are most untrue and baseless.
“There is no N500million or any other fund or amount missing from the subject customer’s account or from any other customer’s account with us.
“We and other independent stakeholders in the banking industry have thoroughly investigated these allegations and independently arrived at the same conclusions.
“Access Bank PLC operates with the highest ethical standards, and we protect our customers’ interests whilst also respecting privacy laws.
“Consequently, whilst we have engaged and will continue to engage with our customers, we must advise the public not to rely on or believe sensational and unverified claims that are designed to titillate and mislead the public.
“We remain committed to serving our customers.”
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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.
She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others
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