Drivers under the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) platform have been urged to ignore the planned strike action by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
In a statement issued on Friday, PTD described NUPENG’s planned strike action as insensitive.
Recall that NUPENG had asked workers to start seeking for alternative employment starting September 8.
According to the union, its decision followed claims that the Dangote refinery was allegedly preventing its compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tanker drivers from “joining labour unions”.
However, reacting to this, PTD said the strike action notice by NUPENG was callous and unacceptable.
“How could NUPENG condescend so low like this that they didn’t even deem it necessary to explore any option of negotiation or stakeholders’ dialogue before arriving at this?” PTD queried.
It also stated that unions such as NUPENG ought to be socially responsible and not self-centred.
“Negotiations and symbiotic relationships cannot be reached through violence, threats or arrogance, Nigeria is governed under a constitutional democracy, these union leaders should note that very carefully,” PTD added in the statement.
In addition, the drivers’ association accused NUPENG of failing to foster leave and harmony across ranks within the petroleum industry.