Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has condemned alleged attempt by the military and other security forces to forcefully remove workers from Oritsetimeyin Rig.
The oil body, in a statement, claimed these union members face eviction because they demanded implementation of a previously agreed contract.
In the statemtment signed by NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union called on the Federal Government, National Security Adviser, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Department of State Services (DSS) to address the “illegal and forceful eviction.”
The union noted that Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their contractors, operators of Oritsetimeyin Rig, allegedly defy Nigerian laws by refusing to honour agreements with workers.
These companies reportedly disregard workers’ rights and scoff at regulatory directives, according to the statement.
Meetings by NUPRC with representatives from Dutchford E&P and Selective Marine Services, as well as members of DSS, have been on since July.
The companies agreed to settle severance package by October 7, an agreement NUPENG alleged has not been upheld.
“It is sad that in a democracy, employers and some state collaborators will use force to settle industrial disputes.
“Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services and its Labour Contractors who are the operators of the Oritsetimeyin Rig, believe they are above the laws and directives of regulatory authorities in Nigeria.
“It should be noted that these companies have penchant for running away with workers terminal benefits and we have written earlier on their unscrupulous antics to the office of National Security Adviser and Department of State Security on this and warned that these companies are reaping of Nigerian workers,” the statement read.