The American company Halliburton, a leader in providing services for the oil industry, has decided to close its subsidiary in Chubut, Argentina, resulting in the layoff of approximately 300 employees. In light of this situation, the Private Union of Oil and Gas of Chubut has threatened to initiate a strike in response to the layoffs.
The union has reported that Halliburton has failed to meet its commitments to maintain the agreed number of employees, which represents a lack of respect for the region. Carlos Gómez, deputy secretary of the union, expressed his concern over the company's decision, labeling it drastic and destructive.
The Private Union of Oil and Gas of Chubut has filed a complaint regarding the layoffs with local authorities and has requested mandatory mediation with Halliburton to try to reach an agreement before a possible strike action. If a resolution is not achieved, the union is willing to carry out direct action with a work stoppage in all the fields in the region.
Additionally, there has been mention of the possibility of the union joining the striking workers in the neighboring province of Santa Cruz, who are currently protesting to prevent YPF from leaving the region. Chubut is the second-largest oil-producing province in Argentina, with significant production representing around 20% of the country's total output.
Companies like YPF have been selling mature field assets to focus on production from the Vaca Muerta formation, one of the largest shale gas and oil reserves in the world. The situation in Chubut reflects the challenges and conflicts facing the oil industry in Argentina amid changes and reorganizations in the sector.
