Work on Section 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has been paralysed after more than 600 workers employed by Hitech Construction Company embarked on an indefinite strike over alleged unfair labour practices, salary cuts and the demand for the removal of expatriate managers.
The protesting workers, who began their action on October 26 at Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, are also demanding the reinstatement of the project’s State Liaison Officer, Mr Asuquo Ukpayang, whom they accused the expatriates of sidelining.
The workers accused the project management, led by Lebanese expatriates, of intimidation, arbitrary dismissals, salary reductions and disregard for the welfare and dignity of Nigerian employees, The Guardian reports.
A visit to Hitech’s construction yard at Awi, the starting point of the Cross River section of the highway, on Wednesday revealed a large gathering of protesting workers, while military personnel were deployed to protect the facility.
Speaking to journalists, Esikere Peter, a quality control and laboratory worker, alleged that management had reduced the number of hours recognised for payment from eight to two, resulting in substantial losses in workers’ earnings.
He further alleged that night shifts were no longer reflected in workers’ bookings, despite employees continuing to work until 11 p.m. without receiving payment for the additional hours.
Peter accused the Project Manager, Mr Boutrous, of arbitrary dismissals, intimidation and penalising workers who requested materials needed to perform their duties.
He said the workers wanted the removal of the project manager, Site Manager Mr Tony and Earth Moving Supervisor Mr Shabel, whom they accused of persistent unfair treatment.
“We are demanding the removal of the project manager, the Site Manager, Mr Tony and Earth Moving Supervisor Mr Shabel who have continuously treated workers unfairly. We the workers are not protesting to destroy property or cause violence, we just want the Nigerian workers to be treated fairly and with dignity,” Peter said.
A trailer driver, Stephen Oke, also accused the expatriate managers of intimidation and maltreatment, alleging that Nigerian employees were being denied fair compensation despite carrying out physically demanding tasks under difficult conditions.
“Nigerian labourers do all the work in harsh conditions, yet we are cheated, shortchanged and underpaid,” he said.
Another worker, Ana Matthew, who performs earth-moving and level-checking duties, alleged that employees worked under harsh weather conditions without adequate shelter and were subjected to intimidation involving military personnel.
Matthew also claimed that workers’ payments had been reduced despite their involvement in both day and night operations.
He further alleged that scrap materials previously shared among employees were being sold without their consent.
Female workers also complained of alleged discriminatory treatment, claiming that they lacked separate restrooms while expatriate staff had access to multiple toilet facilities.
The dispute has also extended to the project’s community liaison arrangements, with workers alleging that the expatriates refused to work with Ukpayang and instead imposed a Community Liaison Officer they could control.
Reacting to the protest, Ukpayang expressed solidarity with the workers and confirmed that complaints had been raised over salary deductions and unpaid entitlements.
He disclosed that the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Archbishop Eyoanwan Otu, had earlier communicated concerns about the workers’ welfare to Hitech management, urging the company to ensure equitable treatment.
Ukpayang promised to engage Hitech’s senior management, the Federal Controller of Works and the Minister of Works to facilitate discussions aimed at resolving the dispute.
He urged the protesting workers to remain peaceful and nominate representatives to participate in negotiations with the relevant authorities.
As of press time, activities at the construction yard remained paralysed, with the workers insisting that they would sustain the protest until their demands were addressed.
The strike threatens to disrupt activities on the affected section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a major federal infrastructure project, as efforts to resolve the workers’ grievances remain ongoing.
