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17 October, 2005
Nigerian ICEM affiliates PENGASSAN and NUPENG has stopped privatisation plans of the country’s four oil refineries and a separate petrochemical plant until job security demands are met.
Nigeria’s Bureau of Public Enterprises has been attempting to sell off assets of state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. (NNPC), owner of the facilities. Both the white-collar and blue-collar oil workers’ unions are united in seeking a total severance package including full pensions and benefits for workers before any state asset is sold.
The unions also seek new negotiations with prospective investors of any of the plants. The NNPC is seeking to transfer workers to its other business divisions instead.
PENGASSAN and NUPENG have mobilized union members to prevent possible buyers from entering and examining the facilities until demands are met.