The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Initiates Industrial Action Against Newcross Exploration and Production Company
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has directed its members employed by Newcross Exploration and Production Company to withdraw their services nationwide. This industrial action stems from a dispute between PENGASSAN and Newcross regarding the issuance of query and suspension letters to PENGASSAN members working at Newcross’s Oil Mining Lease (OML) 24 operations in Rivers State. PENGASSAN contends that these disciplinary actions were unjustly imposed upon its members, prompting the association to take decisive action to protect their job security and interests.
The directive to withdraw services, effective immediately, was communicated through a statement released by PENGASSAN’s Port Harcourt zonal office. The statement, signed by Assistant General Secretary Sere Nwikabeh, emphasizes that the withdrawal of services is a proactive measure aimed at ensuring the safety and security of PENGASSAN members’ employment. The association has declared that this industrial action will persist until Newcross management rescinds the query and suspension letters and engages in good-faith negotiations for a branch collective bargaining agreement.
This dispute between PENGASSAN and Newcross highlights the challenges faced by workers in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, where concerns over job security and fair treatment are often at the forefront. PENGASSAN’s decision to withdraw its members’ services reflects the association’s commitment to protecting its members’ rights and advocating for improved working conditions. The outcome of this industrial action remains uncertain, but its implications for Newcross’s operations and the broader labor relations landscape in the Nigerian oil and gas sector could be significant.
The specific details surrounding the query and suspension letters remain undisclosed, adding another layer of complexity to this unfolding situation. It is unclear what actions or omissions prompted Newcross management to take disciplinary measures against PENGASSAN members, but the association’s swift response suggests a firm belief in the injustice of these actions. The demand for the withdrawal of the letters and the commencement of collective bargaining negotiations demonstrates PENGASSAN’s resolve to address these issues head-on and secure a favorable outcome for its members.
This industrial action has the potential to disrupt Newcross’s operations at OML 24 and beyond. The withdrawal of skilled labor could impact production levels and potentially lead to financial losses for the company. The length and severity of the disruption will depend on the willingness of both parties to engage in constructive dialogue and find a mutually acceptable resolution. The broader implications for the Nigerian oil and gas industry could include increased scrutiny of labor practices and heightened awareness of worker rights.
Moving forward, the focus will be on whether Newcross management and PENGASSAN can reach a compromise that addresses the concerns of both parties. The successful resolution of this dispute will require open communication, a commitment to finding common ground, and a recognition of the important role that both labor and management play in the continued success of the Nigerian oil and gas sector. This situation underscores the need for effective communication and collaboration between employers and employee representatives to prevent disputes from escalating into full-blown industrial action. The outcome of this situation could have long-lasting consequences for labor relations in the industry and may serve as a case study for future disputes.
