Friday, November 8, 2024 - A nationwide strike
is on the horizon as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) fully backs the Nigeria
Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in its threat to halt
operations across the country in response to the alleged use of military
personnel to forcefully remove workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig.
Specifically, NLC has threatened to escalate its response to the dispute
should these unacceptable actions of breach of agreements and the use of
military and other security agencies to interfere in industrial relations
matters continue.
There has been a lingering industrial dispute between the owners of the
Oritsetimeyin oil rig and NUPENG over an alleged breach of the agreements
freely entered into by the two parties.
NUPENG had earlier in the week petitioned the Federal Government,
including the heads of the nation’s security agencies, warning of the
consequences of using military personnel and others to evacuate or eject its
members and side employers, refusing to honour agreements freely entered into
by parties.
But on Thursday’s morning, a special naval personnel team was allegedly
flown into the Oritsetimeyin oil rig to eject the workers.
Following the incident, NUPENG has threatened to declare a nationwide
strike if the government fails to call both the management of the oil rig and
the security personnel involved to order.
An official of NUPENG had on Thursday told Vanguard that “we are already
sensitising and mobilising our members for a nationwide strike. The authorities
cannot be aiding employers to breach agreements freely entered into with
Labour. We cannot accept this. The earlier the management is called to order,
the better. If not, we will be forced to declare a national strike to safeguard
the interests of our members.”
Consequently, NLC, in a statement by its president, Joe Ajaero, among
others, said, “NLC stands in unequivocal solidarity with the NUPENG in
condemning the deployment of military and security operatives to forcefully
evacuate NUPENG members from their work site on the Oritsetimeyin oil
rig.
“This disturbing action, reportedly orchestrated by certain corporate
interests, is a direct affront to the principles of democracy and industrial
relations, which demand respect for workers’ rights and the sanctity of
negotiated agreements.
“The use of the army in Oritsetimeyin oil rig is an abuse of the
instruments of state security as it runs counter to the dictates of unfettered
workplaces free from all forms of coercion. It should be noted that we cannot
accept the militarization of our workplaces.
“It is counterproductive and very capable of contaminating the nation’s
workplaces, which may lead to further crippling and undermining an already
troubled economy.
“According to NUPENG, workers were subjected to unlawful eviction due to
their rightful demand for the implementation of agreements reached and signed
with their employers. This agreement, which included severance benefits for
workers, was established through multiple mediatory meetings convened by the
Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in the presence of the
Department of State Services (DSS).
“It is therefore alarming that Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine
Services, and their labour contractors have chosen to ignore these legally
binding agreements and instead opt for intimidation and coercion through the
use of armed forces.
“The NLC calls on the Nigerian Military, the National Security Adviser
(NSA), the Director-General of the DSS, and the Federal Government to urgently
intervene to prevent further harassment and displacement of NUPENG members.
This matter is strictly an industrial relations issue and does not warrant the
involvement of military personnel, who should focus on protecting the nation
rather than being employed as enforcers for corporate agendas.
“The realisation of the sensitive nature of the world of work made it
imperative for our nation to create special processes for handling
workplace-related matters, which are encoded in our various statutes.
“The tenets of these industrial relations extant statutes must be
allowed full expression by all parties to avoid creating a situation of anomie
that will further harm our nation’s economy.
“We reiterate our unwavering support for NUPENG and will not hesitate to
escalate our response should these unacceptable actions continue. The
protection of workers’ rights and their safety remains our utmost priority, and
we call on the nation’s gatekeepers to immediately speak up before the
situation degenerates.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress acknowledges the dedication and sacrifices
of the Nigerian military and security agencies in safeguarding our nation.
However, we remind them that their mandate is the defence of our country’s
sovereignty and people, not the suppression of workers’ legitimate demands.”
0 Comments