ExxonMobil oil workers call off strike in Nigeria: NNPC

: Crude oil
23/04/27

Industrial action by ExxonMobil oil workers in Nigeria has come to an end after successful mediation, according to Nigeria's state-owned oil firm NNPC.

Following a "tripartite meeting" between NNPC, ExxonMobil and the country's Pengassan oil and gas workers' union, the latter has decided to call off the strike, NNPC said. The industrial action, which began last week, prompted ExxonMobil to declare force majeure on crude shipments from four Nigerian export facilities. The release of the June loading programmes for the four affected grades — Qua Iboe, Erha, Yoho and Usan — has been delayed as a result. Combined exports of the four grades are scheduled at just over 300,000 b/d in May.

The strike followed a breakdown in the latest three-year periodic negotiations between ExxonMobil and its Nigerian staff. Workers' demands included a pay rise to keep pace with inflation, as well as improvements to working conditions. They were also protesting against management proposals to change the early retirement age and working rotas.

A pay adjustment has now been agreed, along with "a five-month timeline to review the proposals for a possible change in rota schedule for operations staff", NNPC said. ExxonMobil has yet to comment on the deal and has not indicated if the force majeure has been lifted.

By Giulio Bajona

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