Economy  
Workers who lost their jobs after the end of the absorption process of outsourcers are planning to file a complaint against state-run oil holding Petróleos de Venezuela (Pdvsa) with the International Labor Organization (ILO) for labor rights abuses. Sinutrapetrol Secretary-General in Lagunillas Jairo Ollarves gave the news and reported that at least 600 workers failed to join Pdvsa payroll.

In his opinion, the oil and gas giant owes a debt to the workers who were not admitted, as the order to absorb all outsourced workers was not followed. Further, Ollarves noted that the measure harmed 72 trade union leaders of the holding and it is one leap ahead in the company's harassment of trade union representatives.

"Trade unions autonomy is missing in this country. We will file a complaint with the ILO to report on how the workers' rights are violated," he said.

Both Ollarves and his colleague Juan Cahuao, both of them followers of the administration of President Hugo Chávez, are among the people who could not enter Pdvsa.

Ollarves fears that his stance on the future of the trade unions movement and role in the oil industry were the reasons for the retaliation.

He said that Rafael Ramírez, Minister of Energy and Petroleum and Pdvsa president, has fueled the exclusion of trade unions leaders and critical workers, protecting instead the workers in line with his ideas.

The leader announced a nationwide demonstration next September to request Ramírez's resignation.

Translated by Conchita Delgado

Suhelis Tejero Puntes
EL UNIVERSAL