ADVERTISEMENT

FG moves to avert oil workers’ strike

The FG has made a move following the announcement by NUPENG to begin a three-day warning strike from January 11, 2017.

NLC

Mr Joseph Ogbebor, General Secretary, Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) gave this hint in an interview with NAN on Thursday in Lagos.

NAN gathered that the government moves followed the announcement by NUPENG to begin a three-day warning strike from January 11.

The workers are going on strike to protest the alleged violation of the country’s extant labour laws and anti-workers disposition of the oil companies.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ogbebor said that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has intervened in the matter, having called labour leaders to a meeting scheduled for January 11 in Abuja.

“We wonder why the meeting is fixed for the same day we are to start the strike.

“What I can tell you further is that if the government does not meet our demands, we will proceed with the strike,” he said.

He warned that if the proposed strike was not averted, it would result in fuel scarcity, as Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), an arm of NUPENG, would be prevented from lifting petroleum products from depots.

“Long queues are also likely to resurface at petrol filling stations across major cities, as the strike may create panic buying from anxious persons,’’ he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Igwe Achese, the NUPENG President, who announced the plan by the workers to go on strike, said the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union took the decision in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He said that the warning strike was preparatory to a nationwide strike, if there was no intervention by the Federal Government.

Some of the major issues alleged by the union were the total closure of the Chevron’ eastern operations through divestment; and the refusal to discuss the redundancy terms.

Others are the refusal to facilitate the formation of Chevron labour Contractors Forum to interface with NUPENG, as well as Chevron’s refusal to allow workers to unionise,which has been causing industrial relations tension.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT