LOOMING INDUSTRIAL CRISIS OVER REFUSAL OF TOPEK ENGINEERING AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES NIG. LTD. AND RUTH’RFORD SERVICE LIMITED TO NEGOTIATE WITH NUNIWE

Union Raises Alarm Over Alleged Engagement with Suspended Member and Exclusion of Duly Constituted Kogi State Leadership

The National Union of Nigeria Welders (NUNIWE) wishes to formally bring to the attention of the public, relevant government authorities, stakeholders, and the management of the companies concerned, the looming industrial crisis arising from the refusal of Topek Engineering and Consultancy Services NIG. Ltd. and Ruth’rford Service Limited to recognize and negotiate with the duly constituted leadership of NUNIWE in Kogi State.

The Union considers the development a serious threat to industrial harmony and peaceful labour relations at the project site.

FACTS OF THE MATTER

1. Topek Engineering and Consultancy Services NIG. Ltd. and Ruth’rford Service Limited are currently executing a project in Kogi State which requires the services of qualified welders.

2. In line with applicable labour laws, trade union principles, and established industrial relations practices, NUNIWE, being the recognized and duly registered union representing welders in Nigeria, wrote to and made several attempts to engage the management of the two companies for discussions concerning the Union’s involvement, the welfare of welders, and the proper execution of the welding aspect of the project.

3. Despite several efforts by the Union to establish dialogue and resolve the matter amicably, both companies have allegedly refused to meet with the duly constituted NUNIWE Kogi State leadership.

4. The Union is concerned that Comrade Bamikole Johnson, a member of NUNIWE who is currently under suspension by the National Executive Council (NEC) of NUNIWE for alleged gross indiscipline, has been engaged by the companies in matters concerning welders.

5. In furtherance of what the Union considers an improper process, the companies have commenced Welding Qualification Tests (WQT) using a list allegedly submitted by the suspended Comrade Bamikole Johnson, while excluding the recognized NUNIWE Kogi State leadership.

6. The State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kogi State Office, intervened by inviting the Union and the companies to a meeting aimed at finding an amicable resolution to the dispute. However, according to the Union, the companies failed to honour the invitation.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE ACTIONS

NUNIWE believes that the actions complained of, if allowed to continue, could have serious consequences, including:

1. Undermining the principles of collective bargaining and established labour relations practices.

2. Creating division and factionalism within the Union and undermining the authority of the duly constituted Union leadership.

3. Creating a potential recipe for industrial unrest, factional clashes, and a breakdown of peace at the project site.

4. Undermining the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kogi State Office, to facilitate an amicable resolution of the dispute.

5. Escalating an otherwise manageable industrial dispute into a wider conflict if urgent steps are not taken by the relevant authorities and the companies concerned.

OUR DEMANDS

In the interest of industrial peace, justice, equity, and harmonious labour relations, the National Union of Nigeria Welders hereby demands as follows:

1. That the management of Topek Engineering and Consultancy Services NIG. Ltd. and Ruth’rford Service Limited urgently follow due process by engaging directly with the duly constituted Kogi State leadership of NUNIWE under the leadership of Comrade Buhari Muhammed.

2. That both companies immediately desist from dealing with Comrade Bamikole Johnson on matters concerning the representation, negotiation, welfare, and employment interests of welders on the project, pending the resolution of his suspension by the appropriate organs of the Union.

3. That the management of both companies urgently honour the invitation of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kogi State Office, and participate in discussions aimed at resolving the dispute amicably.

4. That Topek Engineering and Consultancy Services NIG. Ltd. and Ruth’rford Service Limited meet with the recognized leadership of NUNIWE without further delay for an immediate resolution of the industrial dispute.

5. That the companies suspend the ongoing Welding Qualification Tests (WQT) activities being conducted through the suspended Comrade Bamikole Johnson, pending proper engagement with the recognized Union leadership and resolution of the dispute.

6. That both companies recognize and negotiate with the duly constituted NUNIWE Kogi State leadership, led by Comrade Buhari Muhammed, on all matters relating to welders engaged on the project.

7. We strongly appeal to all relevant government agencies, particularly the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, to intervene decisively and call the management of Topek Engineering and Ruth’rford Service Limited to order before the situation degenerates and gets out of control.

CONCLUSION

The absence of war does not necessarily mean the presence of peace. True industrial peace can only be guaranteed where there is justice, equity, fairness, mutual respect, and adherence to due process.

NUNIWE has exercised maximum restraint, patience, and maturity in its efforts to secure an amicable resolution of this matter. We remain committed to dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution.

However, we will not close our eyes and allow what we consider an improper process to continue unchecked.

The Union shall explore all legitimate and lawful means available within its constitutional rights to protect the interests, welfare, dignity, and professional rights of Nigerian welders and to ensure that established labour relations principles are respected.

We therefore call on the management of Topek Engineering and Consultancy Services NIG. Ltd. and Ruth’rford Service Limited to urgently embrace dialogue and engage the recognized leadership of NUNIWE in the interest of peace, industrial harmony, and the successful completion of the project.

Signed:

Comrade Dele Hunsu
General Secretary
National Union of Nigeria Welders (NUNIWE)

Comrade Peters Iniobong, JP
National President
National Union of Nigeria Welders (NUNIWE)
*Confluence News Reporting from Lokoja , Kogi State

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