The Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) said it is important to maintain unionised rigs, platforms and other facilities in the energy sector. It made this statement in a September 11 media release and accused the former PNM government of being anti-worker.

The OWTU, led by Ancel Roget, supported the UNC in the April 28 general election and also provided two candidates – Ernesto Kesar and Clyde Elder – who won their seats.

OWTU said, “Under this UNC and the coalition of interest government, the workers’ agenda forms a key aspect of government policy. Therefore, the business-as-usual PNM anti-worker and anti-labour agenda, characterised by the absence of trade union representation, low wages, poor terms and conditions, and weak health and safety standards for workers in the offshore sector, must not be allowed to continue.”