Venezuelan oil workers denounce irregular transnational agreements

William Golindano, general secretary of the Orinoco Belt Oil Workers Union, has denounced unsafe working conditions and irregular agreements involving transnational companies operating in Venezuela. Golindano reported that personnel from Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) are being sent to provide technical assistance to foreign firms under conditions that lack standardized benefits for specialized roles such as mechanics and electricians.

According to the union leader, these transnational companies are allegedly exploiting workers with daily packages of approximately 20 dollars for 12-hour shifts. Golindano stated that while international companies receive significant returns, workers have not seen contractual benefits. The union has submitted a petition to the PDVSA Board of Directors regarding these productive hydrocarbon participation contracts, alleging violations of labor protections and calling for a new collective bargaining agreement adapted to current economic realities.