Following Transcorp Hilton’s decision to cut down its workforce by 40%, staff members of the hospitality company have begun an indefinite strike action.
Recall that Dupe Olusola, the Managing Director, Transcorp Hotels Plc, had lamented how the firm was affected by the raging COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, according to her, in order to sustain the business, it became a necessity for the company to cut down its workforce.
Olusola said all executive members of Transcorp Hilton had taken a pay cut, adding that the sacking of some of the workers was also aimed at restructuring the company’s business operations.
Her words: “At the inception of the pandemic, we maintained a 100% salary payment to our over 900 employees in March and April. We also activated various cost-saving initiatives such as renegotiations of service contracts and restructuring of our loans;
“We suspended further commitment to buy fixed assets and operating equipment as well as reducing our energy consumption and maintenance costs.
“Despite undertaking these, it has become apparent that more fundamental changes need to be made for the business to survive;
“To this end, our workforce headcount will be reduced by at least 40%, and our reward system will be optimised.”
This decision didn’t however settle well in the minds of the staff, as the workers are insisting that the company management must meet their demands.
On behalf of the workers, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) had urged President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene on the matter.
Similarly, the rights group accused Minister of State for Labour, Festus Keyamo, of hobnobbing with Transcorp’s top officials instead of protecting the interest of the people.
Incorporated in the year 1994, Transcorp Hilton is said to be one of the hospitality companies committed to redefining services standard across the continent.
