Our attention has been drawn to the planned picketing of
Fidelity Bank over the alleged sacking of drivers without adequate
compensation. This allegation is untrue and was concocted to mislead the
Advocate for People’s Human Rights and Justice in particular and the public in
general.
Fidelity Bank enjoys the services of drivers provided by a
vendor; FSL Limited. Such drivers are staff of FSL and may be recalled or
reassigned by FSL from time to time. Due to operational realignment and
increased automation of our processes, there was a considerable reduction in
the number of cars previously required for our business. Consequently we had
to return 15 drivers in the Abuja area to their employer; FSL Limited, after
several engagements/sensitization and search for possible alternative
placements.
Even though Fidelity Bank had no contractual obligations, it
considered the good relationship with FSL and the number of years of
service of the affected drivers and magnanimously decided to make ex-gratia
payments to the drivers, a reasonable amount for each year of service. This
payment, made in good faith is now being exploited by the drivers to make
additional and unreasonable demands for more, with the threat to picket the
bank and disrupt services to its teeming customers.
Fidelity Bank is a law abiding institution, operating in
Nigeria in the interest of the banking public. Whilst we are not against the
rights of people to constituted assembly, this action is unwarranted and
obviously misdirected. We urge the relevant authorities, including the
Nigerian Police Force to note this threat to the conduct of our lawful
business, just as we urge the affected drivers to engage FSL Limited for
whatever grievances they may have.
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