The workers of the oil exploitation companies launched an indefinite strike on Wednesday June 29 at the call of three central trade unions. In their demands, they ask for better working conditions and higher wages. This strike is therefore paralyzing this crucial sector of the national economy, which alone represents more than 80% of the country’s exports.
With our correspondent in Brazzaville, Loicia Martial
This strike is the expression of a fed up, because for several years these employees have been demanding, without success, the revaluation of their salaries, considered too low, especially since the Congo is also affected by inflation. general known to the world.
According to numerous agents of the oil companies contacted in Pointe-Noire, the economic capital, where the activities are concentrated, they first observed a hunger strike at the beginning of the week, before “ stop everything on bases, platforms and all other oil installations “.
In their demands, they also ask that the employees of companies forced to close during the Covid-19 pandemic receive compensation, indicates the Federation of Workers in the Petroleum and Petroleum Sector (FTPP).
At the Ministry of Hydrocarbons it is a ” serious problem taken head on by the government “. “ Provisions are made to try to dialogue and find solutions in order to defuse the atmosphere “, assured RFI a government source on condition of anonymity. ” A meeting between the government and the strikers’ unions is scheduled as soon as possible. This strike is the consequence of some misunderstandings “, she added.
An OPEC member country, the Congo officially produces 300,000 barrels per day.