Indefinite:Tanker Drivers go on Strike

PETROLEUM Tanker Drivers, PTD, branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, yesterday, directed members to begin nationwide indefinite strike and shut all loading depots and fuel terminals until further notice. Tankers The workers are protesting non-renewal of their Collective Bargaining Agreement, CBA, that expired three years ago, deplorable conditions of nation’s high ways, alleged harassment by security, especially Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and plans by Capital Oil Plc to declare 2000 members redundant due to its unresolved issue with Petroleum Products Marketing Company, PPMC. National Chairman of PTD, Mr. Salimon Oladiti, told Vanguard, yesterday, that there was no going back on the strike as it was decided by the organs of the union. According to him, the strike will be total as loading depots and fuel terminals nationwide will be shut down. He said: “There is no going back. The strike is definitely going ahead as planned and it will be total because all loading depots and fuel terminals will be shut down. We have fully mobilized and sensitized all members.” Vanguard, however, gathered that there had been frantic efforts by government agencies and officials in the last 24 hours to abort the strike because of its socio-economic implications on the nation and the citizens. It was gathered that government officials were making efforts to summon the leaders of the union for an emergency meeting today to find solutions to the crisis.