isuomo:

Omatek Computers is owing at least 80% of her staff 9 months or more and the salary liability as at the end of January was in excess of N95m. The sad thing is that the woman who owns the company a certain Mrs. Seriki seems not to care. It is PLC by name but one man company by action. I have no pity for those who work for her my sister left the company last December and she is owed nearly N2m in salaries. 5 months.

Omatek is doing that at her own peril. I will rather fire than keep you when I know I can't pay you. It's worked for me in the last 7 years I have been in business.

AjanleKoko:

Nice perspective.
You talked about the chicken. Now let's talk about the egg . It's kind of hard to expect staff to be motivated when the owner is a truant, undisciplined, and is only milking the company's opportunities. Why should an unpaid employee now take the initiative to drive the business, while the owner is busy setting fire to the opportunities?

I've been in this same situation at the very start of my career, when I worked for a software company. The owner had major clients in oil and gas, banking, FMCG, etc, but was taking out money as fast as it came in. The dude did not invest in the company at all, until the staff started to leave. The only benefit to me was, I was able to sharpen my software engineering skills enough for me to find another job and press on, but the level of motivation itself was very low. In fact, all the development staff resigned within a month of each other. A couple didn't even have jobs. The last straw was when a multinational FMCG was considering the deployment of our software across its Africa operations. Their top brass visited our offices and were disgusted. They even put in a plan to phase out our application as soon as they saw the state of our environment.

For non-tech people, such as sales and marketing staff, who have little to gain by way of skills, they will have it a lot more tedious if all the odds are stacked against them. Imagine being stuck with an impossible product to sell, no tools, no incentives, and no wages. Yes, some have persevered despite the odds ( I know a few guys who worked as commissioned insurance salesmen and were able to build a solid network of clients which stood them in good stead), but most will not, and those impossible odds will drown them eventually.

I'm a co-owner of a small business myself. We have a few staff that we pay at the going market rate, and we also motivate them with transportation allowances as well as laptops/smartphones and BB subscriptions for the salespeople. If you are running a business and can't put in some level of enabling environment . . . well, you deserve whatever results you get. As it's popularly said, if you pay peanuts, monkeys will work for you.

Well Said.

Man, it's easier said than done. I spoke with him the other day, and he updated me on the seriousness of his condition. I never believed that a man could decline the way that he had. He told me that he has sold his car and some few belongings inorder to satisfy the overdue mortgage and he asked me to send some money to him.
Believe me, I was shocked when he said this.

He said that he had stopped work for a few days and when he went in to submit his resignation letter attached with a personal letter to his oga, they told him that he had travelled. He was very furios and annoyed and has officially stopped work. As of now he us unable to take loans from the bank since there is no means of paying back and he does not want to risk his house. I asked him what he planned on doing and he said that what is most important is getting in contact with his employer and getting those months of labor compensated. I advised him that it is best if he starts searching for another job but he requires the knowledge of his employer inorder to submit his resume.

I never believed that people could be so heartless. Whenever I get more from him, I will continue to update you guys.

odumchi:

Man, it's easier said than done. I spoke with him the other day, and he updated me on the seriousness of his condition. I never believed that a man could decline the way that he had. He told me that he has sold his car and some few belongings inorder to satisfy the overdue mortgage and he asked me to send some money to him.
Believe me, I was shocked when he said this.

He said that he had stopped work for a few days and when he went in to submit his resignation letter attached with a personal letter to his oga, they told him that he had travelled. He was very furios and annoyed and has officially stopped work. As of now he us unable to take loans from the bank since there is no means of paying back and he does not want to risk his house. I asked him what he planned on doing and he said that what is most important is getting in contact with his employer and getting those months of labor compensated. I advised him that it is best if he starts searching for another job[b] but he requires the knowledge of his employer inorder to submit his resume[/b].

I never believed that people could be so heartless. Whenever I get more from him, I will continue to update you guys.

He does?

My advice is to him is that he should first look for another job and then sue/charge his former employer to court.simple

Reference:

The problem with your friend and many other Nigerians is that they are completely ambivalent to the workings of the organizations they claim to belong. It cannot take me a month to know whether an organization is worthwhile and it is certainly not up to us onlookers to determine if he should continue. His success is entirely up to him. If I were him these are the questions I would ask myself. What are the prospects of the company. Is it earning income or not and does it have the potentials. Are there management problems. Are there issues with sales. Is is suffering from excessive competition. Are its products seasonal, expired, outdated or irrelevant. There are many factors to consider. Your friends' position in the Company, how much influence he has, the organizational structure and his relationship with his boss or bosses.

If he has no influence, no internal relationships and the Company is the typical one-man, socialist enterprise, then that's a complete sham, he's in real trouble and should leave promptly but on the other hand if the Company has potentials and he can communicate them effectively, he should pull up his socks as it can be a potential goldmine for him. I've seen people take the reins in similar situations and have driven themselves into management positions.

Spare sometime, do some after work work, research the company, its products or services and see what you can do personally to drive them then propose it to your clueless boss and don't just be a 9 - 5 statistic.

I commend you for your resourceful and helpful post but it's easier said than done. In many foreign nations, the government pays an unemployment check to those unemployed, giving them the security and time to relax and carefully look for employment. Unfortunately, that isn't the case in our Nigeria. When presented with a possibly fruitful means of employment and being fully aware of the dangers and sufferings of the unemployed world, one would simply and quickly entrust hope and faith into a job without giving second thoughts, and I believe that is what happened in his case.

Prior to thus situation that he is in, he a flourishing and promising job as a Shipment director and according to him, he had no idea of the calamity that would befall him. I remember some months back when he told me that two of his companies' trucks had an accident on their way to Warri. That was when all of his problems began. He said their small corporation lost all of the materials that their clients had ordered and they were unable to refund them since they had already invested the money, forcing them to force-close, leaving him where he is now. But I digress, like it is said, it is condition that make crayfish bend.

odumchi:

I commend you for your resourceful and helpful post but it's easier said than done. In many foreign nations, the government pays an unemployment check to those unemployed, giving them the security and time to relax and carefully look for employment. Unfortunately, that isn't the case in our Nigeria. When presented with a possibly fruitful means of employment and being fully aware of the dangers and sufferings of the unemployed world, one would simply and quickly entrust hope and faith into a job without giving second thoughts, and I believe that is what happened in his case.

Prior to thus situation that he is in, he a flourishing and promising job as a Shipment director and according to him, he had no idea of the calamity that would befall him. I remember some months back when he told me that two of his companies' trucks had an accident on their way to Warri. That was when all of his problems began. He said their small corporation lost all of the materials that their clients had ordered and they were unable to refund them since they had already invested the money, forcing them to force-close, leaving him where he is now. But I digress, like it is said, it is condition that make crayfish bend.

Insurance nko?

uh oh! does he have a signed contract from the employer or a letter of hire or something he can take to court to contest wages?

Thats heartless of the employers. You can't tell me they're not making money. . In Naija, things are not usually structured. The guys should leave ASAP

Oya sharp sharp kidnap the chairman, his ransom becomes ur salary! Do it now and fast!

2buff:

He does?  

Of course. When the new employer calls to verify that his resume is correct, what will the old one say when he doesn't even know that he has resigned?

damola1:

Insurance nko?

I don't know whether or not they had insurance.

ajigglin:

uh oh! does he have a signed contract from the employer or a letter of hire or something he can take to court to contest wages?

Where is the money for a lawyer? And you cannot take someone who isn't there to court.

vislabraye:

Thats heartless of the employers. You can't tell me they're not making money. . In Naija, things are not usually structured. The guys should leave ASAP

He has already resigned but they have left him stranded.

damola1:

I am telling you this from experience. whatever you give can never be enough, I have paid employees well and on time too, even when making losses, and they have enjoyed it for years, In fact, my employees don't leave, in the last 3 years, only one left to a telecoms giants, but what about the others?, How much development have they brought, I had to fire a good crop of them in the last 1 month, and hire new set of people, where we will work on job responsibilities, developmental responsibilities relative to time. In fact these new people get paid far cheaper, but I made it clear to them, growth is not a big deal, as company grows you grow,  tell them point blank, we are able to achieve so and so, more money comes in, we all smile to the bank. Simple as that.

@bolded, I have to say, that's not different from what any company faces, even the multinationals.
First thing is, you must hire people that want to work. The most difficult thing in business is finding good staff that will be professional and do things the right way. I don't expect staff to work for me for ever. I look for short term results and invest short term in them. As you said, as the business grows, so will they. I don't go about looking for rejects and desperados, as many one-man businesses do in Naija

AjanleKoko:


@bolded, I have to say, that's not different from what any company faces, even the multinationals.
First thing is, you must hire people that want to work. The most difficult thing in business is finding good staff that will be professional and do things the right way. I don't expect staff to work for me for ever. I look for short term results and invest short term in them. As you said, as the business grows, so will they. I don't go about looking for rejects and desperados, as many one-man businesses do in Naija

To back up what you have said, I hire ONLY fresh graduates. That I can work with. I never hire anyone with experience. I don't need it, And the graduates are much more affordable, especially the ones with zeal.

odumchi:

Of course. When the new employer calls to verify that his resume is correct, what will the old one say when he doesn't even know that he has resigned?

I don't know whether or not they had insurance.

Where is the money for a lawyer? And you cannot take someone who isn't there to court.

He has already resigned but they have left him stranded.

With our bad roads, no insurance,

That is cruel, I have a friend that worked for 8th month without pay, but on the night month they pay each worker for every month at a double.

wtf

Let him continue to do the work, Remember no work in town

Moreso Remember yoruba adage that says that: ENiti oba foriti dopin lao gbala

Meaning: Person wey he take head push am reach the end, na him we go save.

Thanks

Its quite unfortunate that Nigerian police force are thieves themselves  . I would have advised him to report the case to police.

If anybody here works in a Nigerian media house, then this should not be anything new. Virtualla ALL media houses do this, except Punch newspaper.

Pay ke!!! Slave trade don start again. I advise to step aside and claim what you have worked for. "Olorun ko ni je ka sise fo nise OO, Ase jere loose OO"

what do u expect for the companies with bad managers

Shocking

Let him get a lawyer to get the man sign that he owes him, and give him time to come for his money. Let the salary debt be documented. He can start searching for a job. His staying with the company or one man business, will rather kill him as he will keep borowing money with the hope of paying and it could lead him to death.

I think your friend should consider this advice. I want to believe he was given an employment letter, what is the content of the letter and what are the conditions. I want to also believe it's a legal entity which means, "it can sue and be sued". Omo, your friend should get a Lawyer and sue the hell off that company. dem dey mad? No be 5 days we dey talk about here, na 5 months o, abi your friend dey live for the office? Make he step o, I no fit shout!

d boss of dat company is very wicked,
just tell ur friend 2 quit d job.
I pray GOD help him,
he is a good guy 4 working for 5 months without salary.

So how is he surviving? How does he get money for transportation, rent, feeding and clothing? Family support? Under the table from the same place he is working?

He had a bit of money saved up that has sustained him for that period. But like I said earlier he is now in need of cash and has asked me to send some to him, which I will do. Transportation wasn't a problem since he had a car, but now that he has sold it to pay bills, he must find another way to get around. I will speak with him later today, and see how he is doing.

jerryben12:

So how is he surviving? How does he get money for transportation, rent, feeding and clothing? Family support? Under the table from the same place he is working?

I resumed work at a PHCN office in Lagos at the beginning of August, 2010 as a casual staff. My pay was to be just 10k but I didnt mind since it would take me away from the house in the morning. Unfortunately it was in December they started paying me. This is just to point to the fact that some people can be very wicked. All along anyway I was applying to other places. I participated in the FRSC recruitment exercise and even the Lagos State Ministry of Education Special interevention program based on the fact that the boss i work directly under understands my plight as a fresh graduate. He often says he went through the process. But what prompted me to hang on was the fact that the FG intends to fully employ casual staff very soon. My case is still a very hopeful one because the screening exercise is on and things are looking up. My dear brother, please advise your friend to walk away and look for something else to do. These capitalists cab be very greedy at times. I have a brother who has a similar problem but he confirms to me that the company is actually making money but they dont know where their boss is putting the money. Isn't this wickedness ?

You can take your employer to court and ask the court to declare him bankrupt. The bankruptcy law is there for a reason. If you can't pay your debts, declare bankruptcy and let the liquidator sell of your assets to pay your debts.

All that glitter they said is not Gold

odumchi:

Man, it's easier said than done. I spoke with him the other day, and he updated me on the seriousness of his condition. I never believed that a man could decline the way that he had. He told me that he has sold his car and some few belongings inorder to satisfy the overdue mortgage and he asked me to send some money to him.
Believe me, I was shocked when he said this.

He said that he had stopped work for a few days and when he went in to submit his resignation letter attached with a personal letter to his oga, they told him that he had travelled. He was very furios and annoyed and has officially stopped work. As of now he us unable to take loans from the bank since there is no means of paying back and he does not want to risk his house. I asked him what he planned on doing and he said that what is most important is getting in contact with his employer and getting those months of labor compensated. I advised him that it is best if he starts searching for another job but he requires the knowledge of his employer inorder to submit his resume.

I never believed that people could be so heartless. Whenever I get more from him, I will continue to update you guys.

Sorry I've been absent from this thread. It is difficult to offer a direct view since all the facts are not at hand but from indications above it would appear there is almost a total breakdown in communication between employer and employee. If the chap cannot reach his boss, does the boss not have a deputy or senior confidant. This sounds very much like a one man show and while these types of outfits are more unstable they are more malleable.

The question I would like to ask. If the boss is not around what are the effects on the work and earning potentials. Why can't the workers with the skills carry on and generate income. In all production processes (with the exception of the ultra high skilled ones) and some service businesses the top man does not have to be there for things to happen. Even if it is a client type driven thing you can still get in touch with them. I really suspect there's some information not too clear. IMHO the staff of that company are just too weak.

The example Mr Ajanlekoko gave earlier about the software company is an example. The boss doesn't write software and probably does not market it. He establishes contacts and manages the money. That is just one component of the chain that can be replaced very easily. What stops the staff from telling the visiting clients that the office remains open for business. I know its not easy but the truth in business is that money changes hands for goods or services rendered. Just keep on providing these and you will remain in business. And except if there;s some fundamental flaw in the system things can be repaired.

From the report I think your friend is more concerned and I would dare say distracted by his 'personal problems'. I don't blame him but this is dangerous. Even if he was self employed he must maintain focus and focus on work/income not peroblems/expenditure. There's no guarantee he will strike a job quickly and to me it is far easier to repair what you have than buy a new one. But if he can't rise to control the situation the question remains begging; why he left it this long.

I insist. Do not work for a company or venture into a business you cannot influence or control. Even if you enter at the very bottom, green in the ears, the Nigerian economy today dictates that you work extremely hard to create room for shocks which can happen at any time. I would venture to twist the chicken and egg stuff once again , I don't know of any boss of a real business out there that wants his workers to sink or swim at his whims. Most would rather have people operating their businesses whether they are dead or alive. Particularly the one man shows.

court!!!!!!!!!!!!