Alla impact stories
Strike gave Albanian oil workers a stronger voice
An ongoing mobilisation to improve working conditions and ensure respect for collective agreements at the Chinese-owned Bankers Petroleum in Albania – including a three-week strike – has drawn national attention. With help from the Palme Center, the mobilisation has already strengthened workers’ confidence, brought greater visibility to conditions in the oil industry, and contributed to a stronger social dialogue.Albanian oil workers at the Chinese company Bankers Petroleum has, over the year, mobilised for better conditions and respect for collective agreements.
Over 60 percent of members took part in the demonstrations and a three-week strike, whilst several workers also went on hunger strike.
The workers, organised in the Union of the Hydrocarbon Sector, protested against low wages, delayed payments and the failure to comply with collective agreements. When dialogue with the company failed to yield results, the mobilisation intensified, which quickly attracted national attention.
An ongoing process that has already showed results
The increased pressure and intensification led to the Labour Inspectorate and the Ministry of Economy stepping in as mediators. The parties reached an initial agreement on a financial review of the company’s operations as a basis for addressing the demands.
The Palme Center contributed through international solidarity and advocacy work.
Although the process is still ongoing, the mobilisation has already strengthened the workers’ self-confidence, highlighted working conditions in the oil industry and contributed to a stronger social dialogue.
