NLC SHUTS CHINESE COMPANY OVER WORKER’S DEATH, MALTREATMENT

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday shut down a Chinese company, Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Corporation, over what it described as the dehumanizing condition of Nigerian workers in the company.

The union arrived at the company located at the new headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Lugbe, Abuja as early as 7:30am.

There was initial resistance as the gate of the company was locked against the protesting union and its picketing team but was later opened by the management.

The management of the construction company did not speak on the protest or respond to the allegations raised by labour.

The Chinese government had undertaken to build the new ECOWAS Secretariat as part of an aid package to the community.

Addressing the protesting workers, General Secretary of NLC, Emmanuel Ugboaja, lamented the alleged inhumane treatment meted out to workers at the construction site.

He said the Chinese company engaged the workers on an ad hoc basis with no conditions of service attached or any welfare or medical services in place.

He lamented that one of the workers died due to neglect and lack of timely medical attention.

The NLC said while the picketing action would continue, the leadership of labour hoped to engage the management of the company in a discussion.