The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has declared solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in the push for the unionization of tanker drivers and all employees of the Dangote refinery and its allied companies.
Chronicle NG reports that NUPENG had declared its intention to stop loading fuel today over allegations that the Dangote refinery planned to ban the drivers recruited for its 4,000 trucks from joining the union.
In a statement released on Monday, the 7th, the association’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, stated that, “On behalf of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, we are writing to express our unwavering solidarity with our ally and sister union, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, in their ongoing efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers who are currently being hired at the Dangote Refinery.”
PENGASSAN issued a warning that it may be forced to take drastic action if the matter remains unresolved.
“Should the ongoing situation persist without a resolution, PENGASSAN will be left with no option but to join in shutting down the refinery operations as a last resort to protect our members’ rights and interests,” the association threatened.
PENGASSAN accused the refinery’s management of delaying unionization since its beginning, despite multiple diplomatic interventions.
“We wish to put on record that Dangote refinery management has been resisting potential members of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG from joining the Association since its inception. All diplomatic efforts to persuade the company’s management have so far not yielded the desired result. It is with deep concern that PENGASSAN observes the increasing resistance to unionization at the Dangote refinery, as the continued denial of workers’ rights will no longer be tolerated going forward,” the statement read in part.
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The union stated that it completely supported NUPENG’s demand for total unionization across the refinery and its affiliates, citing the International Labour Organisation’s ideals and Nigerian labor regulations.
It stated unequivocally its support for NUPENG’s proposal for the full unionization of all employees of the refinery and its affiliated enterprises, including petroleum tanker drivers.
“The right of workers to organize and collectively bargain is not only a fundamental human right but also essential for promoting fair labor practices, ensuring safety, and upholding dignity in the workplace,” the statement added.
The union also asked all stakeholders to engage in urgent dialogue to avoid disruption.
It asked all parties to begin an immediate and constructive discourse to address the serious concerns.
“Failure to recognize and respect the rights of workers to unionize will have consequences that extend beyond Dangote’s refinery workplace, thereby impacting all facets of our industry.
“In unity, we advocate for the rights of all workers and pledge our support to NUPENG in this vital mission. Together, we will work towards an equitable and just labor environment for all employees at Dangote Refinery,” the statement concluded.
