By Yemisi Izuora-Lagos
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged the federal government to address grievances of oil workers unions or brace itself for nationwide industrial action on tomorrow (Monday).This plea was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Congress’ National Executive Council’s (NEC) meeting in Lagos.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the TUC’s President, Mr Bobboi Kaigama and General Secretary, Mr Musa Lawal.
National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) are planning to commence the strike on Monday.
The TUC warned that the industrial action would cripple the economy and bring untold hardships to millions of Nigerians who were managing to cope under the current economy tides.
“The NEC in session noted with serious concern the strong efforts made by NUPENGASSAN to internally resolve the reported grievance issues at the instance of the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources.
“The NEC in session therefore urges government to attend to all the reported issues as a matter of urgent National importance to avoid the backlash on the Nigerian public,” it read.
“The Congress expresses dismay that the prices of refined petroleum products has remained unchanged despite the significant fall of crude oil prices which the CBN Governor acknowledges as a steady oneâ€� it added.
The TUC called on the government to direct the appropriate agencies to respond by adjusting the pump price of petroleum products and ameliorate the impact on the purchasing power by the devaluation of the naira.
According to the TUC, further delay in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is inimical to the economy.