The Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) yesterday threatened to shut down the National Petroleum Marketing Company Ltd (NP), even as it warned the country to brace for a shortage of liquefied patroleum gas (LPG) cooking gas.
The threat came from OWTU president general, Ancel Roget as the strike continued at Natpet Investment Company Ltd (Natpet), a subsidiary of NP, which produces the cooking gas.
Roget said if the strike at the Sea Lots operation is protracted, the motoring public could also be affected.
However, NP's Communications Manager Caroline Ravello said there was no need for panic as the company does not anticipate any shortages. She assured NP had contingency plans, one of which was presently in place.
After several months of negotiations with Natpet for a new collective agreement, which expired one year ago, the union last Thursday served official strike notice on the company after it refused to move from its offer of an eight per cent wage increase.
"The OWTU cannot accept an offer of eight per cent on a $15-$16 per hour wage, in an inflationary period, where inflation is running at 14.8 per cent," Roget said.
Roget said the notice gives the unionised workers the legal entitlement to strike for three months.
He expressed fear that their action may spur the company to rely on scab labour which could threaten the safe operations of NP workers.
"Given the close proximity of the gantry at NP, where tank wagons are filled, if you don't have the proper regulations, tests and inspection by competent people, you could very well find all kinds of catastrophes taking place.
"If that happens, then NP workers could be drawn into the milieu. We will shut down NP, not only in support of Natpet workers, but to protect the workers who are at risk."
Roget said if this happens then the supply of gas to the motoring public could also be affected.
Ravello said negotiations between the company and the union are continuing.
