Mr Peter Akpenka, PENGASSAN Chairman MPN Chapter, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket on yesterday that the planned sack was a ploy to derail the ongoing dialogue on workers’ welfare.
The Unilateral action of MPN management prior to Negotiations for 2008-2010 Collective Bargaining Agreement, is an attempt to divert attention from the delayed negotiations and deprive workers of their entitlements; the delay is calculated to buy time.
“We got wind of the impending sack last week when our members were locked out of the Qua Iboe Terminal but we remain committed to a successful conclusion of the negotiations” Akpenka said.
The labour leader said that the union would resist any attempt to derail the negotiations within the limits of the law adding that the Union had given a 21-day ultimatum to the management.
NAN reports that 1,500 contract workers in MPN are now gripped with anxiety following the news of the impending down sizing.
