PENGASSAN suspends industrial action after Rivers State freed Exxon Mobil workersÂ
According to PENGASSAN in a statement it had instructed its members to withdraw all forms of services relating to crude oil production, refining, distribution and supplies from Monday unless the Exxon Mobil workers were freed.
“Having achieved the primary demand in our ultimatum, we hereby suspend the planned industrial action,” the union said on Sunday.
PENGASSAN, in its statement, called on the government to “guarantee unfettered movement of oil and gas workers on essential services in all territories of the federation” so they could continue to provide services.
PENGASSAN had Sunday, directed its members to stop operations at all export facilities and suspend production and maintenance services from midnight today.
PENGASSAN also directed its members to withdraw all forms of services relating to crude oil production, refining, distribution and supplies from 12 noon Monday.
Recall that the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike on Friday said Exxon Mobil workers were arrested after entering the state from neighbouring Akwa Ibom State in violation of an executive order restricting movement into the state as part of measures imposed last month.
He said 22 workers, whose coronavirus status was unknown, were quarantined in line with relevant health protocols and would be charged in court.
But Wike’s spokesman, Simeon Nwakaudu, on Sunday issued a statement that said the workers were all released without charge “following interventions by well-meaning Nigerians”.
The union said its statement referred to 21 Exxon Mobil workers who were union members, whereas Rivers State included the driver in its tally to total 22 people.