FridayOL

Petronas Job Cuts: Union Demands Fair Treatment & Transparency for Affected Workers

PETALING JAYA – As Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) prepares to implement a significant workforce reduction of 10% across the company, the Petronas Workers’ Union (PWU) is stepping up to advocate for the rights and well-being of its members. The union is strongly urging Petronas to prioritize transparency and fairness throughout the restructuring exercise, particularly concerning those employees who may be impacted.

The planned restructuring, affecting employees nationwide including Sarawak, comes amidst a challenging economic climate and a global shift within the energy sector. While acknowledging the need for Petronas to adapt and remain competitive, the PWU believes that these changes should not come at the expense of employee morale and livelihoods.

“We understand that restructuring is sometimes necessary for the long-term health of the company,” stated a spokesperson for the PWU. “However, it is crucial that Petronas conducts this process with utmost transparency and fairness. Our members deserve to understand the reasons behind these decisions and to have a clear understanding of the support available to them.”

Key Concerns and Union Demands

The PWU has highlighted several key concerns and is demanding specific actions from Petronas:

• Transparent Selection Criteria: The union is requesting a detailed explanation of the criteria used to identify employees for potential job cuts. They want assurance that these criteria are objective, non-discriminatory, and based on performance rather than arbitrary factors.
• Fair Severance Packages: PWU insists that affected employees receive fair and competitive severance packages that reflect their years of service and contributions to the company. This includes considerations for continued healthcare, outplacement services, and retraining opportunities.
• Prior Consultation: The union emphasizes the importance of ongoing consultation and dialogue with the PWU throughout the restructuring process. They want to be actively involved in shaping the implementation of the changes and ensuring that employee concerns are addressed.
• Support for Affected Employees: Beyond severance packages, the PWU is advocating for comprehensive support services to help affected employees transition to new employment opportunities. This could include career counseling, resume writing assistance, and access to job search resources.

Impact on Sarawak and Beyond

The planned job cuts are expected to impact employees across various Petronas divisions and locations, including Sarawak. The PWU is particularly concerned about the potential impact on local communities that rely on Petronas as a major employer.

“We are committed to working constructively with Petronas to mitigate the negative consequences of these changes and to ensure that affected employees are treated with dignity and respect,” the spokesperson added. “Our priority remains the well-being of our members and the protection of their rights.”

Looking Ahead

The PWU has vowed to continue its advocacy efforts and to hold Petronas accountable for upholding its commitments to fairness and transparency. The union is encouraging all affected employees to reach out to their representatives for support and guidance during this challenging time. The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as they become available.

This situation underscores the importance of strong labor unions in advocating for the rights of workers during periods of corporate restructuring and economic uncertainty. The PWU’s proactive stance demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that Petronas’s decisions are made with consideration for the human impact.