The GAWU in 2019 was certified by the TURCB as the bargaining agent on behalf of employees employed by Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI). Following our certification, the GAWU approached the company with a view to formalizing our relations. To our dismaying surprise, the company, which is a subsidiary of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), refused to engage the GAWU though the Union was certified, lawfully, to speak on the workers behalf.
The Union recognising the adamant attitude of the SEI to flout the laws approached the TURCB to inform of its unbecoming behaviour. Though the TURCB had written the company on its behaviour it refused to comply with its lawful obligation. Our Union, through our attorney-at-law, also had written the company which offered a shameless explanation for its action or inaction as it were.
Our Union recently drew this matter to the attention of the reconstituted TURCB which was most upset on learning of the matter. The TURCB had sent the company a correspondence demanding that it become compliant with the law within a certain timeframe. At this time, the company has continued to blatantly flout its legal obligations. We expect that the TURCB will take stern actions to bring the company to its senses and that the workers right to union representation would be upheld.
UPDATE: SEI recently wrote GAWU to inform that it seeks to commence discussions regarding the formalization of relations between the Union and the Company. A meeting is expected to be held early in the new year.
