Expatriate Manager Of Nigerian Company RESIGNS Over Payment Delay To Nigerian Staff

Surendra Bhagwandass, an expatriate and Base Maintenance Manager at Nigerian company Caverton Helicopters, has reportedly resigned over the maltreatment of Nigerian workers.

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Yesterday, Mr. Surendra Bhagwandass resigned via e-mail to the management of the company. He accused them of not paying the salaries of its Nigerian workers last month (December 2013).

“I heard from the people I work with that they are not paid for the festive season. This is a security breach as I now feel uncomfortable to travel and work, while you guys have a merry time,” the e-mail read.

“Please have heart as these people have families, while you all enjoy the best, being with your families. You all break the record as the only company in the world who do not pay your workers. Shame on you guys.”

A number of Nigerians working at Caverton Helicopters said it was “painful” to know that expatriate staff were paid in dollars but the Nigerian workers who put in more effort on the job were paid less. Moreover, according to the local worlers, while they are not given accommodation or security escorts, expatriates enjoyed such benefits.

“They are paid in dollars, we in Naira, but we work more than them. Several staff have been attacked because they leave their houses around 4 am. There is no security for us. But they enjoy everything in our country,” the staff said.

However, Personal Assistant to the Managing Director of Caverton Helicopters, Mrs. Doyin Elegbe, denied the allegations, saying Mr. Surendra Bhagwandass’ conduct was “a gross case of insubordination”.

She explained that the company had challenges selling the dollars and this caused some delay in December, but now everyone had been paid.

She also denied claims that Caverton discriminates between Nigerians and expatriate workers.