NP is refuting the allegations from the OWTU, regarding the re-hiring of a senior employee.

Yesterday the union delivered a letter to the Energy Minister asking for intervention as it relates to “questionable practices”, including claims that a senior manager was allowed to continue working, despite allegedly tampering with their own performance review near the end of their contract.

In a statement NP says “thorough investigations were conducted both internally and externally, the latter by a reputable independent entity, which was procured in keeping with the Office of Procurement Regulations, regarding the allegations pertaining to the said employee’s actions. “

It adds that the results of the said external independent investigation determined that “there was no culpability or wrongdoing attributable to the said employee.”

NP said the results of the investigation were shared with OWTU prior to the said rehiring.

NP also addressed another concern raised by the union, namely the issue of contracting out permanent job positions (including haulage) within the organisation – the OWTU believes this “ultimately places the public at risk”, as the contractors are held to “a different, much lower standard than the NP workers”.

In its statement, the company says, “NP wishes to assure the public that the Company does not compromise on safety and takes the safety of the national public very seriously. All Road Tank Wagons are inspected on an annual basis and at times on an impromptu basis. The units which are found to be not roadworthy are grounded until repairs are conducted. It must be noted that a senior member of the OWTU is always present at these exercises.”

NP says it holds the view that it is not in the national interest to have any group dominating the transport of fuel.

As such, the company says it seeks the best balance between contractor and company resources to ensure optimum delivery to service stations and other customers, in order to avoid stock outs and ensure fuel delivery at all our service stations.