by Akan Ido

Protestors demonstrated against Chevron Nigeria Limited yesterday for the sack of about 4,000 employees without pension and gratuity.

This was disclosed by Boniface Nwaogu, the president of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) of the Labour Union of Chevron.

According to PM News, he condemned the oil company’s action and described it as injustice to human service, labour, and dignity.

“After years of service, employees are inconsiderately laid off from level 14 below without retirement benefits and gratuity. While as from level 15 and above are considerably compensated with retirement benefits,” he said.

The financial secretary of the Labour Union, Sheula Ajibola, said the case was already in court and Chevron’s action is targeted at derailing the course of justice.

“The case is in court presently and it has been adjourned till February 2013. And Chevron has instructed the salary-agent arm of its organization to pay off the staff.

“The union is against this action. The union is of the agreement that the law of the country must work. When a case is in court one must allow its duration. But Chevron is breaching the gap,” he said.

Comrade Philip Idogbe, the zonal secretary of the union maintained that the union will continue to press on their demands until their demands are acceded to.

He said, “The struggle continues until Chevron Nigeria Limited honor the current collective bargaining agreement that the workers have with the six labour contractors. And all workers will be paid their gratuity. And the eligible workers will be paid their retirement benefits if they wish to retire, if Chevron must change.”