Ogun factory workers protest ‘inhuman treatment,’ ground operations

Workers of Papilon Nigeria Limited, a factory located along Ijoko road in Sango, Ogun State, on Tuesday, grounded operational activities of the company when they staged protest over poor working condition and insufficient welfare package.

According to the workers who were led by the National Union of Chemical, Footwear Rubber Leather and Non-Metallic Product Employee, an affiliate of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), wounded workers are usually laid off by Papilon once they sustain an injury during work periods.

Speaking to the Tribune Online, the Union Chairman of Papilon branch, Mr Kenneth L. Oisemaoje explained that the inhuman policy of Papilon management forced the workers to stage the protest.

According to Mr Oisemaoje, “We are being paid peanut for working like slaves at Papilon. Even when our members get life-threatening injuries while working, they are quickly laid off because of their inability to continue working.

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“We won’t allow work to go on today became we don’t know who will be next to sustain another life-threatening injury.

“Among the latest workers to get limbs and legs chopped off are Mr Fatoyinbo Mayoma, Mr Olu and one Mr Paul. Two of the wounded workers are staff while one of them is a contract worker.

“What we are demanding for is an improvement in our welfare packages and a stop to the inhuman treatment of our members who sustain an injury during the work period.”

Effort to get the Human Resource Manager of Papilon, Mr Oaiya Segun Roland proved abortive as text messages and calls put through to his mobile phone were not responded to as at the time of filing in this report.