The disagreement between the government and labour union in Kaduna State is worsening and its consequences already stare residents in the face.
One of the negative effects of the impasse is the looming scarcity of fuel as members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, threaten to down tools for an initial period of five days.
This followed the directive of the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, that all workers in the state should withdraw services within the period, in protest against some of the actions of the government.
The union accused the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of anti-labour acts such as the sacking of many workers in the state and refusal to implement the new minimum wage.
In a circular obtained by ChannelsTV on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, the oil workers were directed to down tools from work from Sunday.
“Following the series of anti-labour acts and behaviour of the Kaduna State government being led by Mr El-Rufai, as shown in the mass sack of teachers and other civil servants in the state, and his refusal to implement the new minimum wage as provided for in the new minimum wage law, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has directed that there should be a total withdrawal of services to Kaduna State by the Nigerian Workers for five days in the first instance from Sunday, 16 May 2021.
“Consequent upon that directive, you are hereby direct to effect maximum compliance of this directive for the successful execution of this campaign against anti-labour activities and behaviour of the Executive Governor of Kaduna State.
“Our solidarity remains constant for the union makes us strong!” said the circular dated May 11, 2021, and addressed to the Chairman/Secretary of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, branch of NUPENG.
