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‘Offshore workers under strain’ – WIN demands action on two-month rotation, low local hiring
(Kaieteur News) – The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party has flagged a number of issues currently affecting offshore employees, including a new requirement that forces staff to work for two months without rest.
In calling on the Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith to urgently address the issue, the main political opposition party noted that workers are fearful of speaking out over victimization. Contacted on the issue Griffith said: “no worker should be made to feel uncomfortable in their place of work; whether onshore or off, the rights of workers under the laws of Guyana must always be protected. Any worker that faces unfair treatment from their employers or place of work is encouraged to engage with the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning to have their grievances addressed.”
According to WIN, “Workers on some of the supply vessels have reported that their rotation schedule changed from one month on/one month off to two months on/two months off, without clear justification. This extended shift affects the workers’ physical and mental well-being, keeping them away from their families for extended periods.”
The party also noted that although Guyana has enacted a Local Content Legislation with strict requirements, the local to foreign employee ratio remains worrisome. “Despite the availability of many qualified locals, only a small fraction of the crew is Guyanese, challenging the local content regulation and raising questions about equitable job allocation and opportunities for local workers in an industry operating within our own waters,” the party argued.
Further, WIN said workers have expressed frustration over the prioritization of foreign hires for positions that many trained and capable Guyanese could fill.
Additionally, the opposition party noted that compensation was also an issue raised by offshore workers who risk their lives daily, spending weeks at sea under high-pressure conditions. WIN highlighted, “Many of our offshore workers are paid only while they are offshore. It therefore means that their wages must last while they are onshore, until the following rotation.”
The party shared that concerns were also raised about the quality and cultural suitability of food provided on vessels, with meals often tailored to foreign crews while Guyanese workers struggle for familiar or adequate options during a rotation.
WIN alleged that a minister of government own several vessels that support the offshore operations hence workers’ concerns continue to be overlooked as many are afraid they may lose their jobs for speaking out.
The party therefore called on the Labour Minister and all relevant authorities to conduct a thorough review of the employment practices, rotation schedules, working conditions, and welfare standards currently affecting offshore workers.
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I work in the oil field in guyana. To tell you the truth about working on the oil ships. Most guyanese workers come out thinking they dont have to do the jobs that are required of them. They can do what they want with no repercussions. Some only a very few in the 6 years I have been here have taken the opportunity to learn and try to move up. As far as the article goes yes they are working 2 months on 2 moths off compared to 1 month on and off. They are still working only 6 months out of the year. While they have 6 months to do whatever with their families without having to leave home if they want to. I have had some real good workers out there who was very bright but I have had more people who are worried more about trying to get out of work than doing the job that is required of them.