From The Nijasun News Desk
The leadership of the Heavy Equipment Operators Section (HEOPS) of the Nigerian Union of Mine Workers (NUMW), Anambra State chapter, has called for improved welfare, strict adherence to work ethics and commitment to duty as prerequisites for enhanced productivity and industrial harmony in the sector.
The union also demanded better remuneration and an end to what it described as intimidation, harassment, arbitrary suspension and other forms of maltreatment of heavy equipment operators by both expatriate and local employers.
Chairman of HEOPS in Anambra, Comrade Kelvin Chibuzor Onyah, made the call during a strategic one-day face-to-face meeting of the union held in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
Onyah cautioned employers against practices capable of undermining workers’ morale, warning that non-payment of salaries, inadequate welfare and other forms of maltreatment could negatively affect productivity and slow down development.
He expressed concern over reports of some operators being suddenly suspended by their employers without proper investigation, describing the practice as contrary to work ethics.
The chairman, however, assured members that the union would intervene in genuine complaints and grievances to ensure peace, understanding and fairness between employers and employees.
Meanwhile, members of HEOPS appointed seven new executive officers to strengthen the administration and ensure the smooth running of the union’s affairs in the state.
Those appointed to fill vacant positions included Comrade Alagwu Enyibuike Chijioke as State Vice Chairman; Comrade Sabo Malachy as Assistant State Secretary; Mr Anozie Nzubechukwu as State Financial Secretary; and Comrade Smart C. Osigwe as Assistant Financial Secretary.
Others are Comrade Ibrahim Odaudu, Taskforce 3; Comrade Tony Agadi, Elder Statesman 2; and Comrade Wesu Momodu Kebiru, Elder Statesman 3.
Onyah urged members to remain united and committed to the progress of the union by making positive contributions, paying their dues regularly and protecting the image of the organisation.
He particularly raised concern over the poor remuneration of heavy equipment operators in Ogbaru, Onitsha and other parts of Anambra State, alleging that some operators were being paid as little as N10,000, N15,000 and N20,000 as hiring fees, instead of the officially approved N30,000 or above.
He said the union would consult with the labour leadership and engage defaulting companies and organisations with a view to securing an upward review of the hiring fee to N50,000, in line with current economic realities and what obtains in other parts of the country.
According to Onyah, heavy equipment operators are critical to infrastructural development, economic growth and social advancement, adding that their services are indispensable to road construction, building projects, bridge construction, movement of heavy materials and industrial production.
“The work of the heavy equipment operators is very strategic and indispensable because without them there is nothing like road construction, building of houses and bridges, movement of heavy materials and even production cannot take place in most companies due to their essential services.”
He added that the strategic role played by operators made it necessary for employers to treat them fairly, particularly in matters concerning their welfare.
At the same time, Onyah urged operators to remain disciplined and conduct themselves responsibly at their various workplaces, stressing that mutual respect and cooperation were essential for sustainable industrial harmony.
He commended the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in Anambra State and the Federal Government for infrastructure and construction projects that have created employment opportunities for heavy equipment operators and youths.
He also praised the prevailing atmosphere of peace and security in the state, which he said had provided an enabling environment for the operations of the union.
Onyah further stressed the need for accountability and prudent management of funds accruing to the union, urging both executives and members to make sacrifices, remain committed and provide positive service.
“This union is for good. It’s not a religious body or ethnic group. Many are called but few are chosen. I am here as the state chairman by your choice and God’s grace,” he said.
He assured members that the leadership was doing everything possible to address the challenges that had affected the union in the past.
The Nigerian Union of Mine Workers (NUMW) is an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Tags: Anambra, Heavy Equipment Operators, Labour
