Oil workers end sit-in, reopen tanker route after work promises

The protesting oil workers in the Rumailan countryside of Hasakah province ended their three-day sit-in on Friday, held in protest against decisions to dismiss them from jobs at several oil companies, after receiving promises that they would be reinstated and have their employment contracts made permanent.

The workers had launched the sit-in to demand their return to work and the permanent status of their contracts. They warned of the repercussions of continued dismissals and the suspension of some oil operations on the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on the sector.

As the sit-in ended, the workers reopened the road to oil tankers after having blocked it in protest against the dismissal decisions. They said the reopening came in response to promises to reinstate them and make their contracts permanent with oil companies operating in the area.

The workers said they would take escalatory steps if the promises are not fulfilled, including holding a sit-in in front of oil pumps and storage tanks to pressure authorities to ensure their return to work and protect their rights.

The developments come amid continued concerns among oil sector workers over the repercussions of the dismissal decisions and the suspension of some operations, as calls grow for the issue to be resolved and workers’ rights to be clearly guaranteed.