The recent termination of 391 employees by the Lagos Water Corporation has triggered uproar and planned demonstrations from several unions.
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Lagos State Council, in collaboration with 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 agreed to rally against the mass layoffs on wednesday.
The corporation defended its decision, asserting that the terminations were part of a restructuring initiative aimed at improving operational efficiency and addressing persistent water scarcity challenges in the state. However, unions argue that the dismissals violate labor laws and proper procedures.
Citing Section 20 of the Labour Act, which mandates employers to notify trade unions or workers’ representatives prior to redundancies, unions claim the corporation failed to adhere to these regulations. Additionally, they highlight the distressing impact of the layoffs, with reports indicating that three affected workers have tragically passed away due to shock and depression.
Oloruntoba Odumosu, the Lagos State Secretary of NANNM, disclosed efforts made to petition the state’s Head of Service for the reinstatement of the workers, to no avail. Despite their pleas, the corporation proceeded with providing a five-month redundancy payment. In response, unions are planning a protest route from Ikeja under the bridge to the Alausa Secretariat.
This wave of dismissals follows a similar event in December 2023 when 450 casual workers were also let go by the corporation.
