DESPITE industrial action taken by some offshore workers last week, production in the particular fields was not affected.

The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries issued a media release on Friday stating it has conducted its due diligence and investigation with respect to media reports relating to alleged ‘sickout action’ by employees of two labour supply sub-contractors on platforms associated with the Teak, Samaan and Poui Fields (TSP).

The workers were protesting against poor wages and poor working conditions.

The ministry stated discussions were held with Perenco who is the operator of the fields, with representatives of the labour supply sub-contractors as well as with the Chief Labour Relations Officer and staff of the Ministry of Labour.

Arising from these discussions, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries stated:

1. Based on daily production data and updates received from Perenco, production from TSP was not impacted by the action;

2. It was reported that matters involving the terms and conditions of the workers employed by the two-labour supply sub-contractors are being dealt with by the two contractors; and

3. The Ministry of Labour has advised that all related parties have been contacted and reaffirmed its availability and commitment to providing any assistance required. The Ministry of Labour confirmed that, at this time, none of the related parties have reached out for assistance.

The release stated, “The ministry wishes to reiterate its focus on returning Trinidad and Tobago as the Energy Hub of the Caribbean through the critical work being undertaken by the ministers in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries in the interest of all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.”