NLC Supports NUPENG’s Nationwide Strike Threat Over Allegations Against Military

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed support for NUPENG’s threatened nationwide strike, following serious allegations against the military. Get more details on the unfolding situation and its potential impact.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed its support for the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in light of the latter’s threat to initiate a nationwide strike due to the alleged deployment of military personnel to remove workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the organization condemned the accusations directed at the military by the oil workers and reaffirmed its unwavering support for NUPENG.

The NLC has indicated that it may intensify its actions in response to the ongoing situation if the violations of agreements and the involvement of military and other security forces in industrial relations matters persist.

Ajaero’s comments follow a protracted industrial conflict between the Oritsetimeyin oil rig’s owners and NUPENG, which centers on claims of breaches of agreements made by both parties.

Earlier in the week, NUPENG had submitted a petition to the Federal Government, cautioning against the repercussions of employing military personnel and others to forcibly remove its members and employers who are not adhering to the agreements established by both sides.

On Thursday morning, reports emerged that a specialized naval team had been dispatched to the Oritsetimeyin oil rig to carry out the removal of workers.

In response to this incident, NUPENG has threatened to declare a nationwide strike if the government does not intervene and address the actions of both the oil rig management and the involved security personnel.

Ajaero’s statement emphasized, “The NLC stands firmly in solidarity with NUPENG in denouncing the use of military and security forces to forcibly remove NUPENG members from their workplace at the Oritsetimeyin oil rig.

“This alarming action, allegedly driven by certain corporate interests, represents a direct challenge to the principles of democracy and industrial relations, which necessitate respect for workers’ rights and the integrity of negotiated agreements.

“The deployment of military forces at the Oritsetimeyin oil rig constitutes a misuse of state security resources, contradicting the principles of unimpeded industrial relations.”

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It is concerning that Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labor contractors have opted to disregard these legally binding agreements, resorting instead to intimidation and coercion through the deployment of armed forces.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) urges the Nigerian Military, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Federal Government to take immediate action to prevent further harassment and displacement of NUPENG members. This issue is fundamentally one of industrial relations and does not necessitate the involvement of military personnel, who should prioritize national protection rather than serve as enforcers for corporate interests.

Recognizing the delicate nature of workplace dynamics, it is essential for our nation to establish specialized processes for addressing employment-related issues, as outlined in our various legal frameworks.

The principles enshrined in these industrial relations statutes must be fully upheld by all parties to prevent the emergence of a state of anomie that could further jeopardize our nation’s economy.

We reaffirm our steadfast support for NUPENG and will not hesitate to intensify our response should these intolerable actions persist. The safeguarding of workers’ rights and their safety is our highest priority, and we call upon the nation’s leaders to act promptly before the situation escalates.

The Nigeria Labour Congress appreciates the commitment and sacrifices made by the Nigerian military and security agencies in protecting our nation. However, we remind them that their primary responsibility is to defend the sovereignty and welfare of our country and its people, not to suppress the legitimate demands of workers.