A protest rally has been initiated by workers’ unions over the recent sack of workers from the Lagos State Water Corporation (LWC) by the state government.
On Wednesday, the protest commenced at the Ikeja under-bridge, with demonstrators heading towards the Lagos House of Assembly complex in Alausa.
The protest is led by workers under the banner of the Amalgamated Unions of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), along with other unions.
News About Nigeria reports that the LWC terminated the employment of these workers on April 15, 2024, as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and addressing the evolving demands of the organisation.
In a circular issued by the corporation, it cited the decision to streamline the workforce as a response to the persistent challenge of water scarcity in the state, despite extensive infrastructure projects.
The circular read, “The decision to streamline the workforce is in response to the persistent challenge of water scarcity in the state despite extensive infrastructure projects.
“LWC has faced substantial financial and operational challenges, struggling to generate adequate revenue to meet its obligations. The corporation’s unreliable water supply has resulted in a shrinking customer base and declining revenue.”
The move to lay off workers has faced backlash from various quarters.
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Lagos State Council, the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies have all threatened to protest the sack.
They argue that it violates Section 20 of the Labour Act, which mandates employers to notify the trade union or workers’ representative of the reasons for and extent of redundancy before terminating the employment of staff on account of redundancy.
Furthermore, the unions claim that three of the affected workers have died due to shock and depression following the abrupt termination of their employment.
