By Milcah Tanimu
The Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) has voiced its strong condemnation of the management of Heritage Bank Plc. for what it deems as unjustified and unprocedural layoffs of its members. ASSBIFI has expressed its intent to mobilize affiliate trade unions and Nigerian workers in protest against these dismissals.
Since May 30, a total of 30 members of ASSBIFI, including a Principal National Officer, were reportedly terminated by Heritage Bank without any clear explanation or benefits. President of ASSBIFI, Olusoji Oluwole, expressed frustration at the repeated unfair labor practices that Heritage Bank has allegedly engaged in, highlighting the violation of labor laws and conventions.
Oluwole stated, “The Management of Heritage Bank disengaged over 30 members of ASSBIFI, including a Principal National Officer of the Association in May 2023 without due process. This action was condemned by ASSBIFI as an outright violation of Section 20 of the Labour Act, Cap L1, LFN 2004, the ASSBIFI Industry Wide Collective Agreement, and the ILO Convention 158 on Termination of Employment, which specifically provided that ‘the employment of a worker shall not be terminated unless there is a valid reason for such termination.’ This has been rightly recognized by the National Industrial Court (NIC), and we abide by it.”
He also mentioned that ASSBIFI had tried to engage in dialogue with Heritage Bank’s management to address these issues but faced resistance. The employees who were terminated had served the bank for periods ranging from five to 25 years and were allegedly dismissed without valid reasons, which ASSBIFI regards as exploitation and injustice.
The association also expressed concern about the bank’s financial health, raising questions about the safety of Nigerian workers in affiliated unions who have their salaries paid into Heritage Bank.
In conclusion, ASSBIFI vowed to mobilize its networks and contacts to protect the rights and privileges of its members at Heritage Bank and urged the bank to address the concerns raised and act in accordance with the law to resolve the ongoing issue.
