The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has revealed it plans to join the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in a nationwide strike against Dangote Refinery over the company’s alleged anti-labour activities.

 

TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, September 28.

 

The union demanded a public apology from Dangote Refinery for sacking over 800 workers for voluntarily becoming members of PENGASSAN.

 

TUC notified all affiliates to be on standby for a national industrial action if Dangote management fails to comply, reverse the sacking and issue a public apology.

 

The union said in a statement: “The Congress hereby places all affiliates on standby for a national industrial action if Dangote management fails to comply with these demands within a reasonable time.

 

“We stand in full solidarity with the affected workers and with their union, our affiliate PENGASSAN, whose members have been victimised merely for declaring membership. Such actions amount to a direct assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and on Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.

 

“No corporation, regardless of size or wealth, will be allowed to trample on the dignity and rights of Nigerian workers. The TUC stands united and ready to act decisively in defence of our members and the Nigerian workforce.”

 

PENGASSAN declared a nationwide strike at the weekend and directed members to cut gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery.

 

Dangote Refinery on Saturday, September 27, described PENGASSAN’s directive as economic sabotage.

 

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission on Sunday urged Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN to engage in dialogue to resolve the face-off.