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Delegates endorsed a statement on Ecobank, one of Africa’s largest banks, where workers are facing a struggle for their rights to be recognised and to engage in collective bargaining in order to improve their worker conditions. The statement calls on Ecobank to sign a Global Framework Agreement with UNI to ensure fairer working conditions in their operations worldwide.



Ecobank’s workplace is in clear opposition to the international principles they declare they adhere to on their corporate website. These include the UN Global Compact and the Equator Principles, that incorporate the IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability, which references the ILO core standards.



Michelle Taal, a Senior Researcher at Labour Research Service South Africa, explained that Ecobank is enjoying its strongest financial performance in 25 years.



“Everything is about growth. The number of countries in which Ecobank works, profit, revenue, and assets are all climbing,” she said.



The bank is now present in 33 African countries, with over 18,000 employees worldwide. Workers in Africa have reported to UNI that they do not dare to join a union for fear of the response of local managers, fearing dismissals and sudden unwanted transfers to different positions.



The conference heard an inspirational story from Gogo Joseph Anyanwu of ASSBIFI union in Nigeria, who had organised Ecobank workers in Nigeria.



“We were able to reach the grass roots, to touch and feel the pulse of our members. We were able to get 27 representatives, and establish a good structure that helped us to continue the campaign. We had several issues but we were able to overcome. Consistently we engaged the management, and referred to the policy of the group. That policy helped us and ensured we sustained a good work environment,” Anyanwu said.



“If Ecobank Nigeria can be organised, every affiliate of Ecobank international surely can be organised,” he added.



Later delegates adopted a motion on the education of worker representatives for free treatment of HIV AIDS and occupational health and safety in the workplace.