The Federal Government has been urged to urgently intervene in the crisis surrounding the fate of more than 10,000 workers who risk losing their jobs, a development that could further worsen the country’s rising unemployment rate.
The Steel and Engineering Workers’ Union of Nigeria (SEWUN) made the appeal on Friday as it joined workers of WEMPCO Group of Companies in Magboro, Ogun State, in a solidarity protest over the alleged dismissal and displacement of factory workers.
Speaking during the protest, SEWUN National Treasurer, Comrade Nasiru Bello, and the union’s Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Julius Ijebor, expressed concern over what they described as a looming social and economic crisis. They called on the Federal Government to take immediate action to safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of workers whose employment status has become uncertain following recent developments within the company.
The union noted that WEMPCO has maintained a long-standing record of fulfilling its obligations to employees, many of whom have dedicated between 20 and 30 years of service to the organisation.
The protesters vowed to continue peaceful engagements until those responsible for the situation open dialogue with workers and provide clear answers regarding their future.
Carrying placards, the workers demanded immediate clarification on the status of affected employees and urged relevant authorities to ensure that any dispute involving the company is resolved without jeopardising the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on the jobs.