Exploitation of casual workers of banks in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Labor exploitation is not new in a very complex organization. In Nigeria, the issue of casual exploitation of workers by employers is often discussed in the mainstream media and social media. Hence, the main focus of this study is to examine the exploitation of casual workers in terms of casual employee conditions, the role of casual workers and strategies for minimization of labor casualization in the banking industry. Neoliberal theory and Equity theory were used for guidance in this study. The study used a phenomenological approach by using in-depth interviews and focused group discussions. A total of ten banks were selected as a sample of the study involving sixty participants and ten key informants, who have been selected using purposeful sampling. In terms of casual employee conditions, the study found that the salaries of casual employees of banks are not commensurate with the workload performed. In addition, the study also found that the labour exploitation settlement unit in the banking sector is owned by the bank's top director. This situation makes it difficult to resolve the issue of exploitation among banking workers. The study also found that casual employees are largely very committed in achieving the organization's goals in terms of service to customers, performing tasks at the cashier counter, carrying out marketing of bank products, efficiency of customer service units, account opening and efficient maintenance of automated teller machines. Next to solve the problem of exploitation among employees, the management of the bank should have to change the status of employees who have spent more than two years as casual employees to permanent staff. At the same time, the bank employee act should be reviewed and amended by the government. In conclusion, the casual workers of banks are highly exploited. The theoretical implication of the study is that employees should have access to a fair wage, safety at work and protection for families, better opportunities for social integration and personal growth.