Reduc: Oil workers on strike reduce production.

From Agência Brasil

Rio de Janeiro – The Duque de Caxias Refinery (Reduc), in Baixada Fluminense, is operating with less than half of its staff, on the second day of the national oil workers' strike. There was no shift change at midnight today and employees were prevented from entering the refinery. In addition, a camp set up in front of the refinery's main gate draws attention to the strike. Only 2 employees, out of a total of 7, managed to work today (18).

According to the president of the Oil Workers Union of Duque de Caxias, Simão Zanardi, approximately 110 workers are being held at the Reduc refinery. The strike has been joined by 60% of the administrative staff, which corresponds to 400 employees. The union has prohibited the entry of trucks and cars into the refinery, and as a result, the sale of products such as sulfur and fuel oils is suspended, according to the union leader.

According to information from the union, the production of lubricating oil, considered non-essential for the population, has been paralyzed. The union also stated that a 30% reduction in gas and oil pumping has been requested. Reduc is one of the largest refineries in Brazil in terms of installed oil refining capacity.

Oil workers on strike are calling for the suspension of the Libra Field auction, scheduled for next Monday (21). The category is also against the outsourcing of labor, and demands a 16,53% increase in the base salary.

"We will not allow the oil to be handed over to China or anyone else. The oil is ours, it has great value, it needs to be invested here, in education and health. And not to serve political interests," said Zanardi.

Edited by: Beto Coura