By Ken Afor
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has instructed its members to participate in the planned indefinite nationwide strike starting Monday, June 3, 2024, in accordance with the directive of the two labour centres, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
According to a statement by NUPENG General Secretary, Mr. Afolabi Olawale, on Saturday, June 1, the union is committed to ensuring complete compliance with the directive.
The New Diplomat reports that the NLC and the TUC had, on Friday, May 31, declared an indefinite nationwide strike, to begin on Monday, in protest of the proposed new minimum wage.
The strike was declared in a joint statement by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, due to the tripartite committee’s inability to agree on a new minimum wage and the hike in electricity tariff.
Mr Afolabi expressed the union’s deep disappointment and frustration with the Federal Government’s apparent disregard for the welfare of workers, citing an insensitive attitude that neglects the pressing concerns of the workforce.
He said: “This is in view of the various socio- economic policies of this administration that have impoverished the working people of this country.
“Leaders of our great union at all levels, from the units, zones and branches, should immediately put all processes in place to ensure total compliance with this directive.”
Also, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has directed its members to join the industrial action.
In a statement, Acting General Secretary, Mr. Dominic Igwebike, noted that not only the stalled negotiations on the minimum wage and electricity tariff hike, but also the discriminatory categorisation of Nigerian electricity consumers into bands as a key reason for the union’s action.
“Given the above, all national, state, and chapter executives are requested to start the mobilisation of our members in total compliance with this directive to ensure the government does the right thing as stated above.
“The withdrawal of services becomes effective on Sunday, 2nd June by 12.00 midnight,” the union leader said.
