The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE) has clashed with Heritage Bank PLC over allegations of wrongful termination and non-payment of severance benefits to approximately 1,000 laid-off workers.
Last week, leaders of NUBIFIE and disgruntled members staged a protest at the bank’s Victoria Island Headquarters, demanding justice for the affected workers.
Chanting solidarity songs and brandishing placards with slogans such as “CBN call Heritage Bank to order” and “Banking is not slavery,” the demonstrators voiced their dissatisfaction with the bank’s treatment of its former employees.
Anthony Abakpa, President of NUBIFIE, condemned the bank’s actions, stating the years of dedicated service rendered by the affected workers. He decried the bank’s offer of a mere N90,000 stipend for employees with over 15 years of tenure, labeling it as “exploitation and injustice of the worst order.”
Similarly, Sheikh Mohammed, the General Secretary of the union, criticized the bank for disregarding due process in the termination of employment contracts and subsequent failure to settle severance benefits.
He vowed to mobilize affiliate trade unions and Nigerian workers to protect the rights of NUBIFIE members.
In response, Mother Dan Egwu, Head of Human Resources at Heritage Bank, asserted that all severance benefits and pensions had been disbursed through service providers, although the contracts with these providers had been terminated. She said the bank is willing to engage with the union to resolve the issue.
This recent clash is similar to an incident in October last year when the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) protested against Heritage Bank for unprocedural sackings and failure to provide benefits to sacked members.
President Olusoji Oluwole of ASSBIFI lamented the bank’s disregard for labor laws and emphasized the need for justice for affected workers.
