Chad: Oil workers threaten indefinite nationwide strike targeting Chinese owned-companies starting Aug. 22

Event

National petroleum workers union Petrosynat has threatened to launch an indefinite nationwide strike Aug. 22. The purpose of the action is to demand improved working conditions and medical benefits, among other things. While the work stoppage will primarily target the China National Petroleum Company in Chad (CNPCIC), employees of other Chinese-owned companies operating in the country could also walk off the job.

Unless averted, the walk-out will almost certainly disrupt production levels and other operations at CNPCIC. Nationwide fuel shortages and increased consumer costs could result if the strike becomes protracted. Although labor leaders have announced no specific plans for such gatherings, striking workers could stage protests near facilities owned by CNPCIC or other Chinese companies as part of their action. Authorities will almost certainly deploy increased security for all strike-related protests.

Advice

Refuel vehicles and generators before the announced strike date. Avoid all strike-related protests as a precaution. Reconfirm business appointments and plan accordingly for possible localized protest-related disruptions at CNPCIC facilities. Heed the directives of the local authorities.