Protests Continue at Chevron Office Despite Management’s Promises

SWITZERLAND, JANUARY 08 – Protests over welfare and inequality of benefits have continued for a third day at the Lagos headquarters of the Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) in Lekki despite assurances by management that the issues would be resolved amicably.

On Monday, scores of CNL employees in red shirts stormed the company’s office to protest against its Managing Director, Jeff Ewing concerning what they perceive as discrepancies in the treatment of expats and Nigerian staff.

Read Also: Breaking: Massive Protest at Chevron Nigeria Office Against MD, Jeff Ewing

There were several banners with inscriptions critical of Jeff Ewing.

One such banner read: “Bye bye to Jeff Ewing, Lacks Integrity, Racist Attitude…..”

On Tuesday, Esimaje Brikinn General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, explained that the management is working to resolve the issue.

In an email to newsmen, Brikinn said:

“CNL, in keeping with its commitment to resolving issues through meaningful dialogue and respect for the rule of law, is engaging in discussions with the union to understand and seek amicable resolution of the issues.

“CNL is a responsible and law-abiding company. The company’s highest priority remains the welfare of and safety of its employees, contractors and the security of its assets

“We will, therefore, do our best to safeguard these interests.”

Nevertheless, on Wednesday, several staff of CNL, belonging to the Petroleum and Natural gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) gathered outside the company’s office, carrying placards and dancing to the beat of drums, accompanied with the chants of slogans.

Today’s Echo gathered that the CNL branch of PENGASSAN had on December 17, 2019, began a unilateral industrial action and directed its members to stay away from their offices citing some industrial issues as the reason for their actions.

However, a source revealed to Today’s Echo that the CNL staff became upset after the management agreed to pay some benefits in December 2019 but did not fulfil its promises.

“The management had already agreed to pay these welfare packages to staff but refused to implement it, leading to industrial action,” the source said.

and what they perceive as discrepancies in the treatment of expats and Nigerian staff.