Only 35 per cent of banking staff in the country are under full employment, as causal and contract staffing in the industry currently stands at 65%. This is according to the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurances and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI). Analysts say, this perhaps explain the level of increasing fraud in the sector.
The President of ASSBIFI, Comrade Oyinkansola Olasanoye, said, a lot of bank workers are sliding into extreme poverty. She admonished the Nigerian government to build a decent working structure which is people-oriented for the industry in order to improve growth and build a new global economy.
“In consideration of the statistics we have, at the moment, casual, contract and outsourced staff in the banking sector stands at about 65 per cent. The implication is that, of the total workforce in the nation’s banking sector, only 35 per cent are engaged as core staff. There are currently about 32 banks in Nigeria.
“The statistics is not only frightening, but it has a grave implication for the sector, especially given that this category of workers are denied basic rights and treated shabbily. We are really pushing for the exploitative trend to be addressed in the interest of banking,” Comrade Olasanoye.
The association stated it believes strongly in good wages, good conditions of social amenities and service, and a decent work environment to encourage productivity in organizations. These are what the association has been calling for over the years.
“This is why we had for the umpteenth time implored all workers to come together as one in solidarity to condemn precarious work, condemn slave labour, condemn insecurity, and condemn unfair wages and all forms of salary indirect reduction by whatever names and all unfair labour practices. Let us all say no to corporate greed, let’s all demand for living minimum wages, and a pay rise to all workers.
