Workers of Hitech Construction Company dealing with Section 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway venture have launched into strike over alleged unfair therapy, wage cuts and the demand for the reinstatement of the State Liaison Officer, Mr Asuquo Ukpayang.
The protesting employees gathered in entrance of the corporate’s development yard at Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, on Wednesday, demanding the elimination of expatriates and the reinstatement of Ukpayang.
About 600 employees had been on the venture’s place to begin in Cross River State, with army personnel deployed to guard the ability.
The employees alleged that Lebanese expatriates engaged on the venture had refused to work with Ukpayang and as an alternative introduced in a Community Liaison Officer they may management.
Speaking to journalists, a Quality Control employee, Esikere Peter, alleged that fee for working hours had been decreased from eight hours to 2 hours, whereas night time shifts had been faraway from bookings regardless of some employees remaining on obligation till 11 p.m. with out pay.
“We are demanding the removal of the project manager, the Site Manager, Mr Tony, and Earth Moving Supervisor, Mr Shabel, who have continuously treated workers unfairly,” Peter mentioned.
He added, “We the workers of this project are not protesting to destroy property or cause violence, we just want the Nigerian workers to be treated fairly and with dignity.”
Other employees corroborated the allegations. A trailer driver, Stephen Oke, accused the expatriates of intimidation and disrespect, whereas an earth-moving employee, Ana Matthew, alleged that staff labored below harsh climate circumstances with out satisfactory shelter.
Some feminine employees additionally alleged maltreatment, claiming that there have been no separate restrooms for ladies, whereas expatriates had entry to a number of restrooms on the location.
Reacting to the protest, Ukpayang expressed solidarity with the employees, saying their complaints about wage deductions and unpaid entitlements had been dropped at his consideration.
He disclosed that the spouse of the state governor, Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, had earlier raised issues about employees’ welfare with Hitech administration.
Ukpayang mentioned he would have interaction the corporate’s senior administration, the Federal Controller of Works and the Minister of Works to resolve the dispute.
