Dangote Refinery Union Insists on Strike Action Despite FG Intervention
SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Despite efforts by the Federal Government authorities to address the union's complaints, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) workers at the Dangote Refinery declared their intention to go on strike with effect from today.
After the Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced plans to import 4,000 vehicles fuelled by compressed natural gas for direct fuel distribution to retailers, protests broke out. The owner of the refinery was certain that new drivers for the imported trucks would not be permitted to become union members.
The union pointed out that the decision by the refinery owner is in violation of the freedom of association guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution and a breach of international labour conventions.
NUPENG noted that it had held several meetings, alongside the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, to persuade Dangote to reconsider the decision. However, the pleas went unheard.
On Monday, the union announced that its members will cease gasoline loading across the country.
The result of a conciliation meeting called by Muhammad Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, is still pending. The meeting is now taking place in Abuja.
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