The President of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Comrade Francis Olabode Johnson, has called for the unity of organised Labour to fight the state governors who have refused to pay salaries of their workers despite the bail out received from the Federal Government.
Specifically, the PENGASSAN president called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to lead the struggle to liberate and save the poor workers from the governors, many of whom are owing between five and 15 months salary.
Johnson, who spoke with Nigerian Tribune on the backdrop of death of a civil servant at the directorate level in Kogi State and the killing of yet another Labour leader in the state, said the unity of the organized Labour is urgently needed to confront the governors.
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He stated that even though his union (PENGASSAN) operates in a very critical sector of the economic and the society, Johnson assured that the union would make use every power it has to support the TUC and the NLC in whatever step they decide to take in fighting the battle.
He pointed out that PENGASSAN, as an affiliate of the TUC is ready, adding that they were only waiting for the NLC and the TUC, to lead the process and call on them.
While insisting on strong synergy among all trade unions to confront the governors, he emphasized that labour leaders must work together to ensure the protection of workers who they represent.
He said: “For me, I will call on the NLC and the TUC to look at areas of strong collaboration amongst their affiliates so as to come out with policies. For example, on the non-payment of salaries, have we bothered to find out if the appointees of this governors are also owed, despite their huge salary?
