Protesting workers threaten gas shortage

The workers added that yesterday’s protest was just the start and promised to continue similar acts which could very well impact on Petrotrin’s ability to provide fuel for local consumption.

They are calling for the instant removal of senior Human Resource and Corporate Communications officials who have been described as employing “intimidatory and harassing tactics” against workers.

From 8 am, workers from the refinery’s petroleum depot, marine department, maintenance, refinery lab and medical departments assembled outside the company’s Pointe-a-Pierre administration office.

Operations at Trinmar Marine base (Exploration and Production) facilities at Santa Flora, Forest Reserve, Penal and Guayaguayare were also shut down due to the workers’ action. One OWTU official said a gas shortage was looming large if the company failed to accede to the workers’ grievances, saying yesterday’s action was just the “tip of the iceberg.” Road tanker wagons and LPG wagons were turned away from the petroleum depot while gasoline barges remained docked at the port facilities. Topping the list of grievances is the job organisational review which is presently implemented and which, according to OWTU officials, was based on an “outdated” job description profile.

The two top Petrotrin officials, who are said to be instrumental in implementing the plan, have also been accused of not engaging in good industrial relations tactics and relocating workers without prior notification.

OWTU labour relations officer Clyde Callender questioned a contract awarded to a former PNM Government Minister for transportation of petrol while Petrotrin’s vessels and workers “remain idle.”

Commenting on the allegations against the two senior company personnel, corporate communications manager Arnold Corneal said the company had to make certain decisions to take advantage of the benefits presently being accrued by the buoyant oil and gas market.

He said integrity, professionalism and discipline had to be instilled in any organisation if the company was to strive for excellence. However, while negotiations between both parties failed to materialise, workers are expected to return to their respective workplaces today.