Oil workers suspend planned strike

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and NUPENG have shelved their planned strike due to a scheduled meeting with the Federal Government on Monday, July 11.

The South West Chairman, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Alhaji Tokunbo Korodo, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The meeting, according Korodo, was meant to hold on Thursday, July 7, but was moved to the 11th due to the Eid-El-Fitr holiday.

“As a result of this, we have to put the strike which is supposed to commence today (Thursday) on hold to allow for useful deliberations with the government representatives,” he said.

The Chairman said they agreed to suspend the strike and wait for the outcome of the meeting next Monday in the interest of Nigerians, as they are aware of the hardship the strike will cause the general public.

However, he said there will be no going back if government fails to address labour issues affecting its members.

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Representing the government at the meeting would include Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige andthe Minister State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu.

Pulse recalls that PENGASSAN had threatened to embark on a nationwide strike beginning from July 7 over some issues, including the alleged mass sacking of its members by various oil and gas companies.