Petrotrin output unaffected by strike
Trinidad and Tobago's state-owned oil company Petrotrin said today that an "illegal industrial action" by its employees had not resulted in shortages and it would be able to satisfy all contractual commitments.
About 6000 permanent and contract workers walked off the job on Tuesday, alleging Petrotrin was ignoring health and safety issues, according to the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU), which represents the workers.
Petrotrin, which supplies the domestic and Caribbean markets, said the industrial action started last Friday, Reuters reported.
"Petrotrin wishes to assure the public that the company is well able to satisfy our contractual commitments for all refined products and to confirm that there are no shortages," the company said in a statement.
Workers also fear a possible reduction of the labour force because of Petrotrin's plans to lease and sell some exploration acreage.
OWTU vice president Ancil Roget said Petrotrin managers had made repeated promises to deal with outstanding issues, some dating back four years, and employees had become frustrated.
Roget said the workers will not return to work unless management convinces them that they will seriously deal with the grievances.
Petrotrin said in its statement that it was committed to treating each issue affecting employees according to the provisions of collective bargaining agreements.