Strike in Albania: In solidarity with Sindikata Sektorit Hidrokarbur members

Dear Prime Minister Edi Rama,

The oil workers organized in the ‘Sindikata Sektorit Hidrokarbur’ are now on the 3rd day of strike, demanding that Bankers Petroleum Albania fulfils the collective agreement the partners have signed.

The Olof Palme International Center expresses its solidarity with the oil workers and their actions for ensuring fair wages and good working conditions and we urge you to invite the partners to the negotiating table as a way to show your commitment to the social dialogue.

The ongoing concerns regarding low salaries and inadequate working conditions for oil workers are matters that have been raised for some years now and demand urgent attention. With the EU approximation additional pressure will be put on the labour market as increased competitiveness remain a key priority in the enlargement process. The necessary reforms of the economy need to be facilitated by a well-functioning labour market based on a fluent dialogue between government, employers and workers.

We urge the Socialist government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Sindikata Sektorit Hidrokarbur and Bankers Petroleum and work towards a resolution that addresses the legitimate grievances of these workers.

The Palme Center is since many years supporting initiatives that aim to ensure the respect for socio-economic and labour rights in Albania and we are an ally of your ambitions to raise salaries and improve the standards of working conditions.

– Oscar Ernerot, Secretary General, Olof Palmes Internationella Center.