Extensive discussion took place over eight months before sack – OVH

Michael James

Lagos — OVH Energy has disclosed that prior to the sack of 70 staff it held extensive discussion at local, zonal and national level with the relevant unions.

The Group Head, External Relations & Communications, OVH Energy Dr. Oyet Gogomary said the severance exercise of the company was not a decision made on an impulse.

He added that the company executed the exercise strictly in line with the terms of agreement which was approved and signed by all named chapters of PENGASSAN and OVH Energy Marketing’s management.

“We will like to clarify that the severance exercise at OVH Energy was not a decision made on an impulse. The decision to let go 70 staff members was done after extensive discussions for over 8 months at the local, zonal and national levels of the relevant unions,” he said.

“The severance package realised from these conversations were acceptable and signed by all parties before the implementation of the exercise.

“OVH Energy executed this exercise strictly in line with the terms of agreement which was approved and signed by all named chapters of PENGASSAN and OVH Energy Marketing’s management,” Gogomary explained.

In addition to the severance package, Gogomary said, OVH Energy introduced a voluntary exit package for those who were not affected by the severance exercise, but wished to move ahead to other ventures.

“It is important to state that all those affected by this exercise went through an outplacement program which got them ready for life outside OVH Energy – this included financial planning, health management and entrepreneurship.

“At OVH Energy, the interest, well-being and welfare of our employees are of uttermost importance. OVH Energy remains committed to sustaining a diverse, safe and respectful work environment just as it strives to optimize products and services offered to the market, while making sure the supporting processes and organizations are in line with that objective.

“Any further organizational change within our organization will always happen in consultation and agreement with relevant union, stakeholders and every party involved,” Dr. Gogomary stated.