By Patrick ONOJA investadvocate

Jan 11 2011 02.30 GMT

Lagos (INVESTADVOCATE)-The Seniour Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institute (ASSBIFI) and its Juniour counterpart, the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE) has suspended plans to picket three Banks and shut its operations over alleged sack of 200 staff.

 

This was contained in a Statement made available to investadvocate by Media Consultants to the Banks.

 

The Banks are Unity Bank Plc, Oceanic International Bank Plc and Intercontinental Bank Plc.

Comrade Sunday Salako, National President of ASSBIFI, confirmed the suspension in a telephone chat Monday January 10 2011. “The moves were to allow the Banks who have already indicated readiness to dialogue with the two Unions in the sector and negotiate the exit packages of the affected staff” Salako said.

 

He further affirmed that the meeting with Management which began last Friday has so far been successful.

According to him, the Union had met with the Management of Intercontinental Bank last Friday and that of Oceanic Bank Monday January 10 2011; while that of Unity Bank has been scheduled for today Tuesday January 11 2011.

 

 Salako said labour was surprised at the attitude of Management, which indicated readiness to dialogue with the Unions without the usual flexing of muscles.

 
“Negotiation is not a one day issue, it is ongoing; but so far the meeting has been   successful.  Salako said.

However, he warned that the union will not serve any   further notice of picketing should the Management of the  Banks do  anything to truncate the dialogue that have already been  concluded.

As earlier reported, the ASSBIFI, and NUBIFIE had last week threatened to shut down the operations of the 
three Banks over alleged un-procedural dismissal of about 200 staff  by the three Banks Managements.