GAWU disturbed by alleged treatment of locals on FPSOs

The oil and gas branch of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is continuing to highlight the plights of many Guyanese working in the oil and gas industry. In a statement issued on Monday, the Union pointed out that it was disturbed to learn of the alleged treatment being experienced by Guyanese nationals working on the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.
Specifically, it noted the circumstances of workers engaged in the extraction of hydrocarbons offshore. It said that the workers’ experience captured by media reports mirrors much of what the Union has heard first-hand from employees.
GAWU reminded that it had previously highlighted instances of local workers being denied internet access to communicate to their families even though such facilities remained available to foreigners.
“Additionally, we pointed out that some workers had reported to us that they could only eat after their foreign colleagues had completed their meals and received whatever was available,” the Union said in the release.
GAWU said it has spoken about Guyanese workers complaining that foreigners were being allowed to eat their meals prior to emergency drills whereas locals were not afforded similar opportunities. In such instances, the Union said that the workers reported that their meals could be delayed several hours, and questions of wholesomeness arose.
“We believe that so far our collective efforts have yielded improvements for workers of the sector and we hold that collaboration could bring about betterment. Indeed, we are against the reported mistreatment of our locals and stand in their defence.”
Last year, GAWU’s oil and gas branch received several complaints from workers in the sector, which among other things, lamented their working conditions. GAWU stated that workers cried that their rates of pay, when compared to foreign nationals, are essentially “chalk to cheese”, even though they undertake similar duties.
“Moreover, they are required to work extended periods consistently. Apart from that, after their long shifts, they are required to attend meetings and undertake other briefings without any pay, thus restricting their time to rest and recuperate for another day’s work. This, they shared, is taking a significant toll on their physical and mental well-being,” a missive from the Union pointed out.
GAWU added that this is a serious concern for the Union which holds that no Guyanese should be made to feel like a second-class citizen in their own country. It said that Guyana’s history is replete with examples of the struggles of Guyanese to overcome such tendencies which should not be allowed to return to an independent nation.
Moreover, it has reiterated its call for all workers to engage the Union as “we work collectively to address the plights the workers of the sector must confront”. The Union noted that the nation’s workers must be treated fairly and without prejudices.
Workers can reach out to the Union through WhatsApp – 623-GAWU (4298), Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, website (www.gawugy.com), email ([email protected]), telephone 227-2091/2, 225-2321, or by visiting offices in Kingston, Georgetown, or New Amsterdam, Berbice.