The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has threatened to begin a nationwide strike over alleged sack of 300 of its members in different oil companies.
The labour union, however, gave seven days ultimatum to the OES Deep-sea Offshore and other companies to reinstate the sacked members who were unlawfully disengaged or face the crisis situation. Chairman of Port Harcourt Zone of the union, Alex Agwanwor, stated this yesterday in Port Harcourt after a meeting of the body.
Agwanwor called on government at all levels and ministry of labour to prevail on OES Deep-sea Offshore and others to recall the sacked workers, stating that the NUPENG would not fail to withdraw its services if the issues is not resolved.
He said, “A seven day ultimatum is hereby issued for unlawfully disengagement of our union members at OES Deepsea Offshore. The company forcefully disengaged over 300 of our members.”
“We will embark of indefinitely strike if these companies do not reinstate these workers.
If by midnight of Monday 9th July these companies do not address the concerns of the union, the union shall have no choice than to embark on an indefinite strike action until our grievances are addressed.
We are directing tanker drivers, drilling workers and pump attendants to withdraw their service if there is no counter notice to this,” he added.
Meanwhile, a group under the ages of Publish What You Pay (PWYP) has called on the National Assembly to fast track the passage of the Petroleum Industry bill (PIB) to create a more functional administrative structure in the oil and gas industry.
Speaking in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the group, Peter Egbule explained that the speedy passage of the PIB would significantly reduce financial leakages, encourage foreign and domestic investments, and provide succor for host communities.
