The National Industrial Court, Abuja has adjourned the case of Felix Adariku and 256 other disengaged workers of the Total Exploration and Production company till May 25.
The court also fixed May 30 for continuation of hearing of the case.
The aggrieved workers had sued the company over alleged unlawful dismissal from the company.
The workers alleged that they were laid off in August 2015 without notice.
The judge, Justice Edith Agbakoba, adjourned the case after the respondent’s counsel, Inam Wilson, cross-examined the second claimants’ witness, Isaiah Ugbolo.
Ugbolo had told the court during the cross-examination that he was interviewed by the first respondent for the job in 2008.
He further told the court that he joined the services of the company as an accountant in 2008.
When asked if there was any negotiation on terms of employment between the claimants and the defendants, Ugbolo said that there was none.
He said the claimants were only told that their terms and conditions of employment would be “lucrative”.
He said all he is asking is for the court to grant him and the other disengaged workers the reliefs sought.
The claimants are also seeking for an order of the court for the respondents to pay them N8 billion, being salaries and arrears that accrued since 2015 till date.
They also prayed the court to prevail on the respondents to pay N5billion for the unlawful termination of their appointments and general damages.
Joined in the suit were Eastbay Trade and Logistics Nigeria and Gobin Security Limited.
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