Labour Minister Appeals to Oil Workers Against Strike

The Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige has appealed to the Petroleum and Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to shelve its planned strike in the spirit of conciliation brokered between it and Neconde Energy Services Ltd.

A statement by the Deputy Director, Press in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Samuel Olowookere said “with the conciliation by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, the impending action by PENGASSAN stands effectively arrested in line with the provisions of the relevant labour laws whose powers are invested in the Honorable Minister.”

“We recall that the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige had on Wednesday, December 13 and Thursday, December 14, 2017 brokered long hours of conciliation between PENGASSAN and Neconde Energy Services Ltd and secured an agreement. By that agreement, Neconde shall invite the sacked branch chairman of PENGASSAN and hold heart to heart discussion with him while PENGASSAN is to hold back proposed action pending the reconvening of the meeting in the second week of January 2018 when other contending issues relating to other oil companies would also be sorted out.”

 “We therefore wish to appeal to the Central Working Committee of PENGASSAN to reconsider its decision, respect the agreement and call off the scheduled action in the overall interest of the nation, more so when adequate notice of strike was not given. This appeal has become imperative in order to save Nigerians from further hardship in this season of Christmas and the New year.

Samuel Olowookere

Deputy Director (Press)

16-12-2017

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