Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers (NUPENG) Igwe Achese, has disclosed the massive sack of 1,500 oil workers by Chevron.
This is coming as a result of the economic recession which is having a negative effect on the oil company, and has led to the closure of its branches in the Eastern part of the country.
Achese, in a meeting at the Central Working Committee of the Union held in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta state, made this disclosure and also called on the Federal Government to stop the mass sack in the Oil sector, giving a 21-day ultimatum or they embark on a strike.
He said, “It is painful to say I address you, Chevron has wound up in the East and their offices closed. A total of N1500 workers were sacked without entitlements, and nobody is saying anything. As we speak, many companies have left and many others are winding up to go.”
“Some of these companies include: Exxon Mobil, Pan Oceanic, Sapien Ground Petroleum, and Hercules Offshore Nigeria Limited. About 3000 workers have already been sacked in various oil companies. NUPENG will take all necessary action to drive home it’s demand if the FG fails to act in 21 days.
“We are 100% in support against anti-corruption, but there must be respite for Nigerians. Right now, our members and even those in other sectors are no longer able to pay school fees for their children and even afford rents. Worse still, those that are being sacked now were so treated without commitment to proper terminal benefits.”