18 July 2018, Sweetcrude, Abuja —
Port Harcourt — The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has confirmed that its 300 members sacked by 12 oil companies, including OES Deepsea Offshore Limited, have gone back to work.
This followed their recalled and re-absorption by the companies, which had originally sacked them, prompting NUPENG to serve notice of an impending indefinite strike over the matter.
National Deputy President of NUPENG, Comrade Bassey Harry, revealed that there has been an agreement with the companies and that the workers have gone back to work.
According to him, “After the ultimatum (over the strike), there has been interventions from all corners – the Rivers State Government through the Commissioner of Energy, the Minister of Labour and the House of Representatives.
“A meeting was held and at the end of that meeting we were able to reach an agreement, (following) which all workers have gone back to work.
“The controversial termination letters that were issued out (to the sacked workers) were withdrawn, based on the agreement, though we still have other issues still pending. But, from the intervention, those issues will be discussed further.”
He commended the Rivers State Government and the Federal Ministry of Labour for prevailing on the management of the companies for a resolution of the issues.
NUPENG also cautioned members of the public against panic buying of petroleum products over fears of strike by the union.
“We urge members of the public to go about their normal business. There should be no panic buying. People should not buy products to keep in their house as it could be dangerous.
“The strike has been put on hold for now pending when final discussions will be made,” he further
