NP workers’ protest could delay flights

Workers at National Petroleum downed tools and exited offices in protest of the company's five percent wage offer currently on the negotiation table. More than 200 workers from the three major NP offices refused to return to work unless the company ups the offer.
The ripple effect of this day long protest could mean serious delays at the Piarco International Airport, as only NP workers are authorised to refuel planes.
Captain Varman Bajnath, chairman of the Airports Authority said the protest action could create a backlog in the flight departures.
"We could have all the fuel in the tankers, we can't touch it," he said in a telephone interview yesterday.
Based on his experience as a pilot, Bajnath said the airport may be forced to reroute planes to islands like Barbados and St Lucia to refuel there, but warned that those measures will incur a cost.
"Not just the fuel. You have to pay for handling and landing costs as well as salary costs to airline personnel," he explained.
Larry Raymond, Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) branch representative said he hoped the public would understand that these measures were necessary to improve the lives of the workers.
"It is unfortunate, but necessary," he said.
Raymond said all the major plants including the bond area in Point Lisas and the Tobago operations will be suspended today.
Which translates into a possible gas shortage over the weekend, as gas stations will be running on its stored fuel.