FOR THE PAST seven days, oilfield workers who are key to production of oil and natural gas from the Teak, Samaan and Poui (TSP) fields operated by Perenco TT say they have been forced to use their sick leave to protest against poor conditions and even worse salaries.

While the fields are operated by Perenco, the employees are sub-contracted under Sookhai Engineering and Rental Services Ltd (SERSL), owned by a relative of former PNM candidate and minister Richie Sookhai. Newsday understands the contract was awarded in 2018.

In a post on social media, workers highlighted several concerns, including inferior PPE, delays in payments of salaries, severance, victimisation of workers and being forced to work in a high-risk environment without medical or life insurance.