The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has strongly criticized Dangote Petrochemical Refinery’s decision to terminate the employment of more than 800 staff members.
In addition to calling for the immediate reinstatement of these employees, the TUC is insisting on a formal public apology from the refinery’s management.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro condemned the dismissals, labeling them a breach of workers’ constitutional rights.
“The conflict between Dangote and PENGASSAN directly involves the TUC because PENGASSAN is one of our affiliates. It’s impossible for us to stand by when our members are mistreated,” Toro stated.
“We demand that Dangote reverse the unjust termination of over 800 employees. Following that, we expect a public apology from the refinery’s management, along with assurances that such actions will not be used to intimidate the union moving forward.”
Toro’s comments came in the wake of a nationwide strike initiated by PENGASSAN on Monday, which brought operations at several critical oil and gas regulatory bodies to a halt.
The union accused Dangote of breaching labor laws and violating International Labour Organisation standards by dismissing workers who had joined PENGASSAN.
Conversely, Dangote’s management refuted claims of mass layoffs and accused the union of engaging in sabotage.
Toro rejected these sabotage allegations, emphasizing that the fundamental issue is the workers’ right to freely associate with a union.
“Union membership is a fundamental right. The employees at Dangote have chosen to affiliate with PENGASSAN and have formally registered their membership.
“Dangote’s response, cloaked in accusations of sabotage, lacks credible evidence. If sabotage is claimed, it must be substantiated with proof identifying those responsible,” Toro argued.
He further accused the refinery of reneging on a prior agreement reached during a September 8 meeting at the Ministry of Labour, where management had committed to protecting workers from victimization.
Additionally, the TUC leader highlighted discriminatory treatment of Nigerian employees compared to Indian expatriates working at the refinery.
“What is particularly troubling is Dangote’s double standard. Despite enjoying significant government support and goodwill, the company denies Nigerian workers their basic rights while granting preferential treatment to Indian expatriates employed there.
“This amounts to economic oppression akin to modern-day slavery, which neither the TUC nor PENGASSAN will tolerate,” he asserted.
Toro also defended the loyalty and dedication of union members, cautioning against exploitative labor practices.
“It’s important to remember that these workers are Nigerians too, and no one is more devoted to this country than those who labor tirelessly to generate the wealth that fuels national development,” he emphasized.
He acknowledged the support labor unions provided during the refinery’s initial challenges and urged Dangote to demonstrate respect by reinstating the dismissed workers.
“Dangote must respect the workers’ freedom to join the union of their choice. The rights of over 800 employees should be upheld through their reinstatement. The unions remain open to dialogue for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Toro concluded.
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