The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has halted its nationwide strike, which commenced on Monday, September 27, due to its dispute with Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical.
PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, while declaring the suspension in Abuja this afternoon, stated that the union decided to pause the strike out of respect for national institutions and the mediation efforts of the federal government.
The oil workers voiced their discontent with certain aspects of the government’s publicized communique on the issue, but nonetheless stated that they would promptly resume the suspended industrial action without prior notice if Dangote Refinery violates any terms.
“We still suspect Dangote may not keep faith with the terms, but we are giving government the benefit of the doubt. Should there be any breach, we will immediately resume the suspended action without notice,” Osifo warned.
The union initiated the strike after Dangote Refinery terminated 800 workers for forming a union within the organization, an action it prohibits. The dismissed workers claimed that Dangote fired the 800 Nigerian employees and proceeded to hire 200 Indian nationals in their place.
Following the federal government’s intervention, a resolution was reached in the early hours of Tuesday. Among the agreements, Dangote is expected to reinstate the sacked workers.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
