Labour leaders in Oyo State on Monday vowed to fight for the reinstatement of 95 sacked workers of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan.
Leaders of the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU), Trade Union Congress(TUC) and Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights(CDWR) yesterday in Ibadan , demanded for their immediate reinstatement by management of the institute or risk labour crisis in Nigeria any time from now.
ASUU Chairman, University of Ibadan, Dr. Segun Ajiboye who spoke during a symposium at Nigeria Union Of Journalists(NUJ), Iyaganku press centre,in commemoration of this year May Day, maintained that the CRIN workers were unjustifiably sacked, insisting his union as well as other unions in Nigeria are taking the matter up.
“Let me assure you, we won’t abandon you . ASUU and other affiliated unions are taking your matter up. We shall not beg anybody. It may be a long drawn struggle but all we require from you is your cooperation. United we win in this struggle; Divided ,we beg. But we would not beg. We know with your cooperation and that of others, we shall succeed in your struggle, ”Ajiboye told the ninety-five sacked workers who equally attended the symposium.
Trade Union Secretary(TUC) for Oyo state, Adeyemi Olaide, equally told the sacked workers that his union would not abandon them , assuring that their issue is already part of the union agenda.
“I want to assure you that our union will not abandon you. I will suggest you appear in all black apparel on May 1st during the workers rally so that the whole world would know that workers in Nigeria are mourning because of your issues shall ensure that your issue occupies priority in labour matter so that the injustice done you would be corrected,’’Olaide also declared at the symposium. Veteran activist, Laoye Sanda , also advised the sacked workers not to be deterred with their current plight, maintaining the labour force across the country is with them.
The Oyo state Chapter of Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights(CDWR), had earlier in its submission at the symposium, made a five point demand among which is “immediate and unconditional reinstatement of the 95 sacked CRIN workers” and” immediate reversal of all forms of anti-workers policies within the institution.”
Other demands by the rights group include ”immediate payment of all outstanding workers salary, immediate restoration of union activities within the institute and continued respect of right to unionism” as well as “No to the harassment of workers by security agents of the institute and “No to militarization of the institute.”
CDWR Spokesman ,Bamigboye Abiodun, revealed that ninety five (95) CRIN workers comprising mainly junior staff were issued sack letters between Friday, 24th January and Monday 27th January, 2014, the action which he said, did not follow due process.
”Between Friday, 24th January and Monday 27th January, 2014, ninety five (95) CRIN workers which comprise mainly of junior staff of the institute were issued sack letters by the Prof. Malacky Akoroda-led administration in the institute. Having carefully studied these letters and circumstances under which they were issued, we will like to say that the mass sack is a clear case of victimization," he said.
