Train 7: Labour Issues 14-Day Ultimatum To NLNG Over Unfriendly Work Policy

Against the backdrop of harsh labour practices beingpracticed by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and the contracting companies participating in the $10billion Train 7 Project in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, members of the National Association of Plants Operators (NAPO ) have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the companies to reverse what they described as draconian labour practices and conform with relevant laws and policies guiding employment in the country.
The union warned that if the companies operating on the NLNG Train 7 project fail to reverse course from the obnoxious labour practises within the stipulated days,the union would have no option than to occupy and shut down NLNG premises in the area until the right thing was done.
The National President of NAPO, Comrade Harold Benstowe, who stated the position of the union while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, said the 14 days’ ultimatum was the resolution reached at a congress meeting held in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
He said the union rejected the recruitment of its members on the Train 7 project through the Bonny Integrated Recruitment Centre, saying that the centre has been allegedly declared illegal by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Benstowe alleged that exorbitant deduction of illegal taxes of about N20,000 from a basic salary of N50,000 as part of pension monthly was grossly unfavourable, harsh and inhuman.
The NAPO president blamed such practices on the unlicensed labour suppliers orchestrated by the traditional institution in the area through the BIRC,which he said, has turned Nigerian construction workers to slaves, leaving them without employment rights as enshrined in the extant labour laws of the country and internationally.
“They have denied them appointment and confirmation letters after the probation period to qualify them as permanent employees. The BIRCand her labour suppliers give order for termination of employment against any staff that agitates for his right or her right and or wants to belong to a union in the area,” he stated.
According to him, letters for the ultimatum have been served to the affected companies as well as security agencies in the area.
Benstowe while directing the state leadership to put finishing touches to their mobilisation for the planned showdown at NLNG site to end what they described as tyranny against their members, alleged that the activities of NLNG contracting companies have denied them everything that would make them legitimate staff of the company.
The NAPO national president called for immediate scrapping of Bonny Integrated Recruitment Centre and its replacement with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board which was established by an Act, just as they called on relevant security agencies to investigate and prosecute the alleged illegal activities of BIRC and their partners in the interest of the welfare of workers.
The group also threatened to resume its strike at the end of the 14-day ultimatum, if their demands were not met.

By: Akujobi Amadi