Lukoil Neftohim Burgas Workers Protest over Possible Cancellation of Derogation for Russian Oil, Fear of Losing Jobs

BTA Photo

Burgas, on the Black Sea,

27.10.2023 12:04

(BTA)

Workers at the Lukoil Neftohim oil refinery blocked traffic on Friday at the exit of Burgas in the direction of Sofia because of the demand to cancel the derogation for Russian oil. Their fears are related to serious difficulties in the work of their company and even its closure if things come to a ban on imports of the main raw material from Russia.

Thousands of members of the Lukoil petroleum chemists trade union, as well as workers in other companies servicing the Burgas-based oil refinery, gathered to express their position by putting up placards. The protest was scheduled to last until noon on Friday.

The petroleum chemists' union announced that the protest action is being taken in light of false allegations circulated in the public domain about the refinery's operations and future, creating tension and uncertainty for their jobs. The main reason for their protest is the expressed intention to terminate early the derogation for processing Russian oil. The trade unions are of the opinion that this poses a serious risk to the normal operation of the enterprise and might lead to job losses.

"We have been working for 60 years. The issue of derogation is our main concern. Someone cannot wake up today and say - today there is a derogation, tomorrow there is not. There are laws. The law that was passed by Parliament allows the plant to operate until October [of 2024], and that is according to a plan made by the Government. We are complying with this plan and with all the laws, which is also what our managers have assured us. Lukoil Neftohim Burgas is a home for our families. One more thing - the derogation is allowed in Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Croatia. Back in July, the Hungarian President said that they would probably ask for a derogation increase for their country. They have been joined by Slovakia. Only here derogation is a dirty word. Only in our country, we obviously do not want fuel prices to be at this level, but times higher," the trade union of Lukoil's petroleum chemists said during the protest.

They also announced specific demands to the Government and Parliament. Their first demand is to put an end to the practice of adopting hasty laws hindering the work of the refinery in Burgas. The trade union insists on public consultations when drafting long-term regulations for the sector.

/RY/