UC Rusal Alscon, SEWUN endorse new staff package

UC RUSAL ALSCON has signed a collective agreement with the Steel and Engineering Workers’ Union of Nigeria on a new welfare package for its staff. The new package, signed after two weeks of negotiations between the management of the smelter and the labour organisation, included terms of salaries and allowances for the staff. The 18-month collective agreement came into effect in June 2008. It spells out agreed details on 42 key issues that range from upward review of basic salaries to allowances, medical treatment for staff and dependants, end-of-year bonus, business travel and study leave. The package also includes meals, pension, promotion, training and working hours, among others. The Managing Director, UC RUSAL ALSCON, Mr. Andrey Partyanskiy, said the agreement offered a comprehensive package of incentives to motivate staff with a view to ensuring loyalty, efficiency and productivity, adding that the company was committed to creating a favourable work environment for its employees and improving the well-being of its staff around the world. He said, “Signing of this agreement today marks a milestone in our plant’s history. It clearly demonstrates our commitment to the welfare of our staff and their families. “It also shows our commitment to provide best working conditions for staff to perform their responsibilities without any encumbrances and distractions.” He also commended the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Patrick Ekpotu, for his contributions to the success of the negotiations. The ALSCON smelter currently employs over 700 people, and when operating at maximum capacity, will employ 1,900. He said, “The agreement with SEWUN demonstrates RUSAL’s commitment to labour issues, which will be continued as the smelter increases employment levels.” United Company RUSAL is a global leader in aluminum industry, accounting for approximately 12 per cent and 15 per cent of global aluminium and alumina production respectively. The company was founded in March 2007, through the merger of RUSAL, SUAL and the alumina assets of Glencore. UC RUSAL sells its products in 70 countries worldwide and employs 100,000 people in 19 countries, across five continents. In Nigeria, UC RUSAL is represented by the ALSCON aluminium smelter. --The Punch