Deaths, Destitution: Former INTELS workers demand unpaid benefits amid legal battle

At least nine former employees of Integrated Logistic Services (INTELS) Nigeria Limited have died while waiting for their unpaid terminal and other benefits.

Several others reportedly face deteriorating health conditions without the means to afford medical care.

Over 624 former staff were laid off between 2020 and 2021, many now living in destitution. Those who passed away include Rhoda Oberueuria, Austine Okunsaye, and Friday Ikwut, among others. Survivors such as Iyara Best Oghenewede and Vincent Adolphus are reportedly in critical condition.

The affected workers, seconded to Associated Maritime Services (AMS) Limited, have faced a prolonged legal battle for their entitlements. The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) escalated the issue to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, which referred it to the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP). In September 2021, the IAP ruled in favor of the workers, ordering INTELS and AMS to pay full benefits.

However, INTELS challenged the ruling at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), which upheld the workers’ rights but mandated negotiations on the payment terms. INTELS has since sought to appeal the decision, a motion denied twice by the Appeal Court.

With no resolution in sight, MWUN has petitioned INTELS’ Managing Director, urging a meeting to negotiate the payments.

A meeting has been proposed for December 6, 2024, as the union seeks to end the prolonged suffering and prevent further tragedies among the affected workers.

“We note your refusal to engage with Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria on this negotiation issue despite Arbitrary Panel award and NICN judgment ordering you to enter into negotiations with the union.

“We note that your reason for refusing to negotiate with MWUN as ordered by the court was that the matter was pending before a superior court since you already filed a motion for leave to Appeal the said NICN judgment. We are also aware that these motions for leave to Appeal which you referenced as your reason for avoiding negotiation with us have been struck out by court.

“As a union that believes in due process, discussion/ negotiation, and in consideration of the relationship existing between your organization and the union, we have continued to tow the path of caution to explore and exhaust all conciliatory avenues on this matter to ensure our members rights are protected and your company’s industrial atmosphere remains conducive to business.

“We are well aware of your company’s recent history of business disruptions due to political interference, and the fact that you only just recently surmounted the many obstacles placed on your business operations.

“As social partners we emphasize with you and consciously will collaborate with you to ensure you retain and sustain footing in your operational arena and business while remaining relevant.

“However, being guardians of workers’ rights, we are bound by law to ensure that our members work in a convivial environment where employers make adequate provision for industrial health, safety and welfare of the employees in accordance with labour laws and conventions.

“It is in the light of this consideration and in view of your company’s excellent pedigree, that I have been instructed to request a Union/Management meeting to resolve this matter without need for further needless litigation.

“Consequent to the foregoing, I am further directed to propose December 6th 2024 as date of this meeting at a venue of your convenience.”