Workers of the Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited are on a three-day warning strike, threatening to go on in indefinite industrial action my Monday, May 8 if management fails to address their grievances

WORKERS of ExxonMobil, affiliate of the Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited have gone on a three-day warning strike.

The workers are aggrieved because the company is allegedly violating the provisions of Local Content Act by firing Nigerian workers and recruiting expatriates. But the company has denied this allegation, stating that they were based on emotions and not the true reflection of what obtain.

Realnews learnt that the action of the workers is a continuation of the last December strike when the workers union accused the management of the company of violating previous agreements it reached with the Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria.

The workers are threatening to go on an indefinite strike by Monday, May 8, should the management fail to address their grievances.

Realnews gathered that the workers had matched to office of the managing director on Tuesday, harassing some staff who were on duty. They equally damaged the generator house and other property belonging to the company and threaten to kill top management staff of Mobil. Because of these, five workers of about 1000 members of the union were suspended last week Thursday with full pay pending the time the investigation is completed.

Mobil has also invited the national body of the union to be part of the investigation panel to ensure that proceedings are fair to all concerned. Those who are found culpable will be sanctioned according to the rules of engagement when they were employed by the company.

Problem started in the company after the management decided to downsize staff due to the harsh economic realities in the industry. It initiated a separation programme with laid down criteria for performance. Those who did not meet the performance criteria were asked to leave the company with handsome severance package. Some of the staff who met the criteria but were attracted by the huge payments also opted to leave while some kicked against it citing discriminatory practices.

In December 2016, the workers shut down activities at the company’s Qua Iboe Terminal to protest against its decision to fire up to 100 workers.

However, the ongoing warning strike has not affect the operations of the company as production is still going on.

—  May 15, 2017 @ 01:00 GMT