WILLEMSTAD - The Apri union, representing the refinery employees, announced that the strike has been halted for now. This considering a promised protocol from the government that will ensure the continuity of the refinery at least until the contract with PdVSA expires. According to the union the protocol should be ready within a week.
The union emphasized that the strike has been halted for now, but if the government does not comply with its promise, the employees will continue with their actions.
Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath is currently on an official trip and Minister Quincy Girigorie oversees the premier’s post in his absence. Minister Girigorie promised the union that the protocol will be ready in a week’s time.
Girigorie said to the union in a letter that he understands the concern that exists within the community, especially the Isla staff, about the third-party seizure and that the ministers, like the staff, value the continuation of the refinery and therefore will do their utmost to provide a solution.
Representatives of the utility company Aqualectra, the owner of the refinery RdK and Isla are still negotiation to solve the make agreements on the third-party attachment imposed by RdK on funds from Aqualectra intended for Isla. After this consultation, the government proposes in the letter to the unions, all parties must formalize agreements - a protocol - to guarantee continuity. The government must lead this process as a shareholder.