Eunice Kalu
Lagos — TotalEnergies EP Nigeria in response to the recent strike action carried out by the Trade Union Congress, TUC, has stated it has been in collective negotiations with unions on salaries increment since July.
TUC had threatened to shut down operations due to TotalEnergies’ refusal to increase workers’ salaries to meet up with the prevailing economic situation in the country.
TotalEnergies, in a press statement affirmed that it understands the importance of the energy industry to the economic development of the country and will work with stakeholders to improve the condition of its employees and stakeholders.
The statement read: “TotalEnergies EP Nigeria confirms that the Company’s in-house branch of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has embarked on an industrial action related to the annual collective bargaining process.
“The company fully understands the importance of our industry to the socio-economic development of Nigeria and collaborates with all stakeholders to improve the condition of its employees and stakeholders. Accordingly, and in the context of the current economic challenges, we have been engaging with unions since July in a collective negotiating process leading to salaries increase proposals above the inflation.”
The oil giant added that it is committed to exploring all legitimate means to achieve peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation.
“We remain committed to exploring all legitimate means to arrive at a sustainable resolution of the ongoing situation.
“It is TotalEnergies’ culture to treat employees as our most important stakeholder. We remain open to dialogue with the union with the expectation of peaceful resolution for the overall good of the company and country,” the statement added.
