Fuel scarcity looms over Anti-Labour Practices-induced strike by oil workers
If accused International Oil Companies (IOCs) on the allegations of mass sack and non-unionisation of its members by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) fail to right their wrongs as soon as possible, resulting strike action may lead to scarcity of petroleum products nationwide.
Currently, workers of Sterling Energy Exploration Company (SEEPCO) and its drilling arm, British Oil and Gas Limited in Kwale, Warri area of Delta state are having serious issues with their employers.
Besides, NUPENG has put on notice the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police, and the Acting Director-General of Department of State Security and other relevant stakeholders in the oil and gas industry with a view to avert the impending crisis.
In a statement issued by Comrade Williams Akporeha, President of the union, NUPENG said it would not hesitate to embark on strike if the stakeholders fail to nip the crisis in the bud.
NUPENG averred that “By this press release, we are placing all our members on red alert as they might be called upon at very short notice to withdraw their services nationwide in solidarity with their oppressed colleagues if this situation is not addressed immediately”.
Akporeha said whereas the union will continue to always work with all employers of workers in the oil and gas sector with the primary aim of entrenching and sustaining industrial peace and harmony in the overall interest of the country, “NUPENG would never hesitate to stand firm in protecting the interest of its members particularly when their rights are being violated”.
