PENGASSAN has indeed clarified that it didn’t sign the communiqué ending its recent strike against Dangote Refinery. The union’s president, Festus Osifo, explained that the document presented after government intervention was merely a statement from the Minister of Labour and Employment, not a binding agreement between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery.
Key Points:
– Dispute Background: The strike was over the alleged illegal dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers by Dangote Refinery, with PENGASSAN demanding their reinstatement.
– Government Intervention: The strike was suspended after government intervention, with the Minister of Labour and Employment confirming that disengaged workers would be reassigned within the Dangote Group without loss of pay.
– PENGASSAN’s Stance: The union warned that it would not hesitate to resume industrial action if the resolutions aren’t implemented, citing “grey areas” in the communiqué that need clarification.
– Dangote Refinery’s Position: The refinery denied wrongdoing, describing the restructuring exercise as necessary for efficiency, and stated that most of its 3,000 Nigerian employees remain unaffected.
