Strike: PENGASSAN backs NUPENG, threatens to cripple refinery operations
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), on Monday, vowed to joined forces with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) if the row between Dangote Refinery and the union is not resolved. PENGASSAN specifically said it is in full support of NUPENG’s ongoing efforts to secure the […]
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), on Monday, vowed to joined forces with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) if the row between Dangote Refinery and the union is not resolved.
PENGASSAN specifically said it is in full support of NUPENG’s ongoing efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers who are currently being hired at the Dangote Refinery.
Daily Trust reports while NUPENG is an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress, PENGASSAN belongs to the Trade Union Congress (TUC) – the two labour centres that organised labour.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of PENGASSAN, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, the association said the development arose after diplomatic efforts to persuade the company’s management yielded no desired result.
“On behalf of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), we are writing to express our unwavering solidarity with our ally and sister union, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), in their ongoing efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers who are currently being hired at the Dangote Refinery.
“We wish to put on record that Dangote refinery management has been resisting potential members of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG from joining the Association since its inception.
“All diplomatic efforts to persuade the company’s management have so far not yielded the desired result. It is with deep concern that PENGASSAN observe the increasing resistance to unionisation at the Dangote Refinery, as the continued denial of workers’ rights will no longer be tolerated going forward.
“We stand firmly in support of NUPENG’s call for the full unionisation of not just Petroleum Tankers Drivers but all employees of the refinery and its allied companies.
“Should the ongoing situation persist without a resolution, PENGASSAN will be left with no option but to join in shutting down the refinery operations as a last resort to protect our members’ rights and interests,” the statement read.
Okugbawa further revealed that with what has happened, they are not only demanding unionisation of all tanker drivers in Dangote Refinery but all employees of the refinery and its allied companies.
According to the union leader, this is in accordance with the principles set forth by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and in line with Nigerian labour laws.
“This is in accordance with the principles set forth by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and in line with Nigerian labour laws.
“The right of workers to organise and collectively bargain is not only a fundamental human right but also essential for promoting fair labour practices, ensuring safety, and upholding dignity in the workplace.
“We, therefore, urge all stakeholders to engage in immediate and constructive dialogue to address these pressing issues. Failure to recognise and respect the rights of workers to unionise will have consequences that extend beyond Dangote’s refinery workplace, thereby impacting all facets of our industry.
“In unity, we advocate for the rights of all workers and pledge our support to NUPENG in this vital mission. Together, we will work towards an equitable and just labour environment for all employees at Dangote Refinery.”