The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced its participation in the impending indefinite strike called for by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
This joint strike action, scheduled for October 3, 2023, is in response to the removal of petrol subsidies.
The core grievance behind this strike is the government’s failure to provide relief measures to mitigate the adverse impact of the subsidy removal.
NUPENG expresses discontent
This move has led to a significant increase in the price of petrol, skyrocketing from N189 to over N568 per litre.
NUPENG expressed its commitment to complying with the directives of the NLC and TUC, citing concern and disappointment over what it perceives as the federal government’s insensitivity to the hardships faced by Nigerians due to the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NUPENG criticized President Tinubu’s government for not implementing “any accompanying socio-economic policies” to alleviate the immediate and severe consequences of these harsh policies on the populace.
The oil industry union contended that the labor unions’ demands have been met with disregard and disrespect.
Consequently, leaders within its four zonal councils have been instructed to mobilize NUPENG members to initiate service shutdowns starting next Tuesday.
NUPENG expressed concerns that the government’s attitude implies a disregard for the goodwill and tolerance of workers and Nigerians in general.
It further criticized the government’s handling of meetings with organized labor, characterizing them as dismissive and disrespectful.
According to NUPENG, the government’s actions have left labor unions with no alternative but to proceed with an industrial action, which could potentially have negative consequences for businesses and the socio-economic well-being of Nigerians.
The unions are demanding policies that will alleviate the challenging living conditions faced by many Nigerians.