The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) of Chevron yesterday began an indefinite strike over alleged victimization and poor working conditions.
Activities at the multinational oil company were paralysed when our reporter visited the place.
A handful of workers sighted in the premises of the company told newsmen that they would remain at home until the issue was addressed.
Lagos Zonal Chairman of PENGASSAN Folorunso Ogini said Chevron has turned deaf ears to the demands of its members on the safe working condition.
He said the company is in the habit of victimising and abusing the fundamental right of members which often lead to mis-use of power on workers.
He said a cross section of members of the union recently met with the company on the need to improve the safety of its members working in Warri but the company didn’t respond.
“Our members are working in a very threatened and unsafe environment, most of the place of worker in Warri is seriously dilapidated. After severally meetings scheduled with the authority of the company to address working conditions of our members proved abortive, we don’t have any other means than to embark on indefinite strike”, he said.
He said most of their drivers work 19-hours daily and receive N 40, 000 monthly.
Chevron’s General Manger, Policy Government and Public Affairs Engineer Femi Odumabo confirmed the strike.