Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM) |
||
For struggle, Solidarity and Socialism in Nigeria |
Committee for a Workers' International
|
|
HomeJoin DSMContact DSMAbout usOur ManifestoStatementsNewspaper of the DSM CampaignsNCPTrade UnionsDSM NewsStudentsWomenInternationalDownloads |
Socialist Democracy Nov - Dec 2005
FLOUR MILLSVictimised Workers Keep Struggle AliveBy Agbaje Mutiu, Co-ordinator of the victimised workers The zeal to keep the struggle alive has been demonstrated by the resolute victimised Flour Mill workers who have been holding on to the struggle since March 2005. They have been committed to the fight against casualisation and have unrelentingly pressed the management to grant compensation to the 400 victimised workers who were unjustly sacked by the flour mills management for demanding that the family of their colleague who slumped and died while working be adequately compensated. The sacked workers took the struggle to another level when they put up a protest armed with placards and leaflets at the Eko Hotel and Suites where Flour Mills held its annual general meeting on the 8 of September 2005. The AGM was well attended by shareholders, management staff and the media. The workers 'press statement was circulated in the conference room and eventually sparked up a heated debate as direct questions were thrown to the management by share holders and the media. The victimised workers were granted several interviews by the Media. The Channels Television report on the peaceful protest further rejuvenated the workers as it brought back some of those that had earlier left the struggle and charged up those that were understandably becoming weak. On the 5th of October 2005, the sacked workers took the struggle to the Lagos State House of Assembly where members of the Assembly convened a round table discussion between the Flour Mills management and the workers. The Assembly later passed a resolution that the House Committee on Labour should carry out thorough investigations into the complaints of the sacked workers by paying a visit to the Flour Mill fertilizer factory. Another sitting will be held after the conclusion of their findings to resolve the crisis. The media covered the proceedings while interview clips were transmitted on the Galaxy Television. We therefore call on labour, particularly NUBFTE, NLC and pro labour organisations to help beef up the struggle through boycott of Flour Mill products and through open condemnation of Flour Mills unjust and inhuman treatment of workers. We also call for support to help facilitate some of our programmes and activities. Support can come in form of helping meet the cost of production of leaflets, transportation expenses, crucial needs, etc of the victimised workers. Every contribution will be specially appreciated by all the victimised workers of Golden Fertilizers a subsidiary of Flour Mills Nigeria PLC. We fraternally count on your comradely support towards this worthy cause. You can contact our secretariat: Forum for Victimised Flour Mills Workers @ 5 Kojo Lane off Layinka street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos. Tel.: 08038209485, 08034927957, 0802715503
Socialist Democracy Nov - Dec 2005
|
|
