The conciliatory meeting convened by the Federal Government to resolve the industrial dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery ended in a deadlock on Tuesday, after more than nine hours of deliberation in Abuja.
PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, told journalists after the marathon session that the union’s position remained unchanged until the 800 dismissed workers were reinstated.
According to Osifo, the mass termination of workers’ appointments had thrown families into distress and placed many careers in jeopardy.
“We have been here for about nine hours trying to find solutions. Unfortunately, no agreement was reached because what we demand is clear – over 800 people have been sent home.
“These people are fathers and mothers, and their careers are at stake. Some were trainees accused of sabotage, and if they leave with that tag, no company will employ them again in Nigeria. Their futures will be ruined if proper remedy is not put in place. If they are reinstated tonight, we will call off our action tonight,” Osifo said.
The union leader confirmed that Dangote Refinery admitted to terminating the workers, contrary to earlier denials.
He insisted that letters of dismissal already circulated in the media proved the company’s action.
“It cannot be false because the letters are already in public view. This is not about our word against theirs. They signed and issued those letters,” he stressed.
Despite the prolonged talks, Osifo announced that the strike would continue until tangible agreements were reached.
“As it is, the strike continues until we reconvene today (Tuesday) and see if a solution can be found,” he said.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammad Maigari Dingyadi, acknowledged the deadlock but expressed optimism that progress had been made.
He said discussions would reconvene at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, to continue efforts at resolving the crisis.
“We are reconvening later today in the afternoon to continue with the meeting. There are two basic issues on the table – the dismissal of workers and unionisation. We have not arrived at any position yet, but a lot of progress has been made.
“What is important is to limit the damage to the economy. We need to resolve this matter quickly so that workers can return to their duties, gas can flow, and inputs for production can resume,” Dingyadi stated.
