In keeping with the theme for Labour Day 2026, ‘Advancing the Workers Agenda’, head of the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union, Ancil Roget, is restoring hope to members, assuring them of negotiation settlements and job opportunities amidst a renaissance in the local energy sector.
“Working with our three comrades in this government we shall restart the refinery, and when the Point a Pierre Refinery flare is lighted again, that will be a light of hope for all of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
President General of the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union, Ancil Roget, is urging his members to prepare for the forecasted boost in the local energy sector.
He says discussions are currently ongoing with the Ministry of Labour to regulate employment in the energy sector.
“They put us back in the oilfield, we hadda take advantage of that, energy expansion coming, investors going to invest, local people, local expertise, local offshore workers, have to take advantage of that. This will ensure decent work, proper standards, good industrial relations practice, compliance with health and safety, and allow for unionising of this vast gold of important work.”
As he questioned the recent arguments being posed by former Energy Minister Stuart Young, the OWTU President disclosed figures which he said showed a decline in several areas during Mr. Young’s tenure.
“Under Stuart Young Natural gas production declined by 37.4% , and crude oil production declined by 34%, from eighty one thousand two hundred and sixty-two barrels of oil per day to just fifty-three thousand six hundred and sixty-six barrels of oils per day.”
This year’s theme for Labour Day 2026 was ‘Advancing the Workers Agenda’.
Following the recent announcement by the Finance Minister, Davendranath Tancoo, in the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, that funding for union settlements will be provided, Mr. Roget assured workers of TTPost, MTS, PTSC, Lake Asphalt, T&TEC, The University of the West Indies, The University of Trinidad and Tobago, National Petroleum, PowerGen, National Quarries Limited, National Helicopters, the National Training Agency and YTEPP that they are next in line to have their 10% negotiations settled.
“You going to have your negotiations settled.”