Barely five months after the National Industrial Court (NIC) gave its final verdict in the face-off between two workers union in the oil and gas as well as maritime sector over which of them that should control employees of oil serve firm; LAMNALCO, fresh indications have emerged that the two groups might enter another round of dispute over the workers.
Barely five months after the National Industrial Court (NIC) gave its final verdict in the face-off between two workers union in the oil and gas as well as maritime sector over which of them that should control employees of oil serve firm; LAMNALCO, fresh indications have emerged that the two groups might enter another round of dispute over the workers.
Shipping Position Daily confirmed that the oil and gas unions had given LAMNALCO Nigeria Limited a 14-day ultimatum dated 27th June 2013, alleging infringement of workers Trade Union rights and International Labour Organisation (ILO).
But, the Nigerian Seafarers Collaborating Union (NSCU) which comprises of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Seamen /NIWA Branch and the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association have described the move by the oil and gas unions namely: Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum Natural Gas Senior Staff of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) as an encroachment.
In a letter dated 4th July 2013, and signed by Secretary General of the two maritime unions, namely: Comrade Aham Ubani from the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria and the his counterpart, from the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association; Comrade Julius Efokpor ,the maritime unions threatened that if the management of LAMNALCO should hold any meeting with NUPENG/PENGASSAN, it would be seen as contemptuous.
The maritime unions have also cautioned its members who are engaged by LAMNALCO, that it would not hesitate to disown any employee who heeds to the call of NUPENG/PENGASSAN to embark on illegal industrial actions.
The NSCU have also accused the oil and gas unions of desperation and of deliberately distorting the fact of the court ruling of February and misleading them to embark on an illegal industrial action.
The maritime unions also lampooned NUPENG/PENGASSAN of ostensibly usurping on the power of the court, even as they alleged that it is blatant lawlessness on the part of the oil and gas unions.
The Nigerian Seafarers Collaborating Unions have also called on the law enforcement agencies to ensure that the ruling of the National Industrial Court is respected by all parties and also to protect lives and property of all staff and management of LAMNALCO Nigeria Limited.
The unions from the maritime sector also advised its members to go about their normal responsibilities without fear of intimidation by any group.
The document sighted exclusively by our correspondent last week further stressed that the maritime unions have high regard for both NUPENG and PENGASSAN, but wondered why the duo have chosen to disrespect the rule of law.
The statement further stressed "that until the judgment is reversed or a stay of execution from a court of competent jurisdiction, the said ruling of the NIC must be complied with by all concerned".
"We fail to see under what mandate NUPENG/PENGASSAN is making the above allegation and we wish to state categorically that a recent court ruling by the National Industry Court which is the highest judicial arbiter on labour issues in suit No. NIC/ABJ/104/2011 delivered on 8th February, 2012 on issue of jurisdiction stated that the Nigeria Seafarers Collaborating Unions (NSCU) are the rightful unions to organise both the senior and junior employees of LAMNALCO for the purpose of collective bargaining"
"In pursuance of the above the Nigeria Seafarers Collaborating Unions have already concluded elections and inaugurated the units of LAMNALCO".
"We are aware of the incessant threat and harassment of workers and management of LAMNALCO by NUPENG/PENGASSAN, urging them not to obey the orders of NIC".
Discussion about this post