Jumoke Olasunkanmi
The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees (NUBIFIE) has announced that it will be joining the 2-day warning strike declared by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
NLC had disclosed that it will embark on a nationwide warning strike from Tuesday, September 5 to Wednesday, September 6, 2023, over the government’s failure to establish structures to address the widespread suffering in the country as a result of petrol subsidy removal.
A memo signed by the union’s general secretary, Mohammed I. Sheikh, stated that financial institutions will withdraw all services for the two days.
It also condemned what it described as the government’s “newfound love of meddling in the internal affairs of unions rather than address the punishing economic circumstances we find ourselves.”
It stated that the decision was “in line with the communique issued after the meeting of National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held on Thursday, 31st August, 2023, that all affiliates should direct all its members to commence two days’ withdrawal of services from Tuesday and Wednesday the 5th and 6th September, 2023.”
NUBIFIE added that the strike is necessary to get the government’s attention and caution against meddling in the affairs of trade unions and focus on improving the economy.
“The directives is imperative to get the needed attention of government and warn it of its newfound love of meddling in the internal affairs of unions rather than address the punishing economic circumstances we find ourselves.
“We hereby direct all our organs to comply with this directive by ensuring all our members stay off duty for the two days. Your cooperation in this regard will be appreciated.”
