The management of Nile Petroleum Corporation (NILE PET) has dismissed the existence of a trade union for its workers, who staged a sit-in strike over delayed salary payments, urging them to register formally.
In a statement obtained by Standard Zone News, Wednesday, Nilepet clarified that the Workers Trade Union is not legally recognized within the corporation.
“It is important to clarify that this group, styling itself as the ‘NILE PET Workers Trade Union,’ is neither a registered legal entity nor a recognized structure within the corporation. Its formation did not follow the proper procedures outlined in the Nilepet Act,” the statement partly read.
The corporation further alleged that the workers’ protest appeared politically motivated, aimed at discrediting company leadership and undermining ongoing reform efforts.
While acknowledging challenges, Nilepet pointed to mismanagement by past administrations as the root cause of the workers’ grievances.
“We acknowledge that the issues raised, particularly health insurance, staff bonuses, clothing allowances, and salary delays, are genuine and longstanding. These challenges have existed since 2022 and were inherited from previous administrations.”
The strike, held on Monday, saw NILE PET staff demand the immediate removal of Managing Director Ayuel Ngor, accusing him of mismanaging the company.
The protesting workers, under the Nile Petroleum Workers’ Trade Union, insist they are owed three months’ salary arrears, allowances, and benefits.
Trade Union spokesperson Garang Ater addressed the media on Monday, revealing that despite oil production resuming, salaries remain unpaid.
“The oil has resumed. We were promised our salaries would be reinstated. Since last year, up until now, we are still receiving salaries that were cut by 70%,” Ater explained. “We were expecting that with oil production back, we would receive our full salary this month and in the months to come.”
