The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria has placed all affiliates workers’ unions in the country on stand-by for a national industrial action if the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery fails to reinstate recently sacked workers.
Dangote on Friday laid off thousands of staff, which the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) claims was due to them engaging in union activities. The company has dismissed this and said it was part of reorganisation efforts.
In support of their fellow comrades, TUC condemned the actions of the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, particularly what it called unjust termination of workers for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of association and unionization.
“We stand in full solidarity with the affected workers and with their union, our affiliate PENGASSAN, whose members have been victimized merely for declaring membership. Such actions amount to a direct assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and on Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions,” it said in a statement.
It also noted some demands which include an immediate and unconditional reinstatement of all affected workers.
It also sought public apology from Dangote management with firm assurances against future victimization.
The union also called for an independent investigation involving the Ministry of Labour, ILO and stakeholders into the refinery’s labour practices.
The union also hereby places all affiliates on stand-by for a national industrial action if Dangote management fails to comply with these demands within a reasonable time.
“No corporation, regardless of size or wealth, will be allowed to trample on the dignity and rights of Nigerian workers. The TUC stands united and ready to act decisively in defense of our members and the Nigerian workforce,” it added.
Analyst’s noted that a mass strike action, if carried out, would affect a considerable facet of daily lives from operations to transportation to commerce, and could also stoke inflationary pressures.