Julius Berger decries recession, retires 6,000 workers

Construction giant, Julius Berger has compulsorily retired at least 6,000 workers within the last two years.

But, all was not gloomy at the company as another 878 dedicated staffers were appreciated with long service award in line with its tradition.

The Executive Director, Administration of JBN, Zubairu Ibrahim, said the decision to downsize the workforce was a painful one but necessary in order for the firm to remain in business.

Ibrahim said: “As the recession bites harder, we have to reduce our staff strength by 6,000 to remain in business. It was painful but it was a difficult decision we have to take, however, all the staff that were laid off were paid all their benefits including their contributory pensions, we have also informed them that we are going to re-engage them soon as things improves because we know that we spent so much in their various trainings hence the company cannot afford to lose them total.”

Given details of the lucky 878 staff who received the long service awards, Zubairu Ibrahim said: “In appreciation of our dedicated staff who have put in 10, 15, 20 25, 30 35 and 40 years of continuous service to the company received various prizes ranging from 26’’flat screen colour Plasma television, various months of salaries, Service Plaque, transport and Meal subsidy among others.”

He said no less than 2,000 staff also benefited from the company’s various trainings in 2016, while seven staff got promotions from junior to senior staff category, 25 staff received special bonuses, 65 students were trained by the company on industrial wealth schemes while it employed some National Youths Service Corps members.

Responding on behalf of other awardees, an Assistant Superintendent, Carpentry of Julius Berger Plc, Mr. Ezinne Timothy, who has served 40 years in the company, expressed gratitude to JBN for the gesture.