Shell fires 1,500 workers

Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, has fired 1,500 workers in Nigeria as part of the ongoing restructuring in the Anglo- Dutch oil giant. It was gathered that the oil workers were sacked at different locations and offices of the oil firm in Warri, Port Harcourt and Lagos.
The action has pitched the management of the oil company against NUPENG with the union demanding immediate reversal of the action. The union also called out its members in a protest which took place simultaneously in Lagos, Warri and Port Harcourt. The protest grounded activities in the field locations in western and eastern operations in Warri and Port Harcourt respectively.
The action led to gridlock on the ever-busy Airport/ Ogunu Road as the protesters barricaded the road with oil tankers. Residents had hectic time wading through the traffic snarl to reach their destinations. Stern-looking security agents were stationed at all entry points into Shell offices and facilities apparently to keep the protesters at bay.
The heavy presence of security men, armed with dogs, was noticed at Shell’s main office opposite Federal Government College, FGC, Warri. But the protesters shunned the security web around as they marched through major streets in the city, chanting anti-Shell slogans. Similar action took place in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.