Oil workers at the Marinzë oil field, employed by Bankers Petroleum, have now entered the 10th day of their hunger strike, protesting overdue wages and demanding a fair increase in pay. The strike has drawn growing attention from labor unions, civil society activists, and the media, highlighting the escalating tension between workers and the oil company.
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| Oil Workers at the 10-th day of the strike |
Ilia Kondi, head of the Union of Syndicates, warned that the health of the hunger-striking workers is worsening hour by hour, posing a serious risk to their lives. “They are fighting for dignified wages. It is unacceptable that government officials earn ten times their salaries while these workers struggle at the brink of a living minimum,” Kondi stated during the protest.
Bankers Petroleum, which has operated the Patos Marinzë oil field for over 20 years, is currently under investigation by SPAK, Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution. Authorities accuse current and former company executives of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that has caused millions of euros in losses to the state budget.
Through the hunger strike, the workers demand transparent wage increases, specifically requesting that 18% of the company’s payroll fund be allocated to improve the salaries of low-paid employees. The workers insist that the company fairly distribute the increase across the most vulnerable positions.
Lawyer Gentian Serjani told BIRN that it is unacceptable for Albanian institutions to remain passive while workers face exploitation and companies abuse public resources. “Our demand is that the responsible Ministry acts as a mediator before the health and lives of the hunger-striking workers deteriorate further,” Serjani added.
Activist Rigels Xhemollari from the organization Qëndresa Qytetare emphasized that the working conditions for these oil employees are extremely harsh relative to the wages they receive. “While Bankers Petroleum has allegedly siphoned billions of Albanian lek from public assets, its workers are on a hunger strike for unpaid wages,” he said.
Xhemollari highlighted that the salaries of refinery workers are so low that they barely compensate for the health risks associated with exposure to toxic substances. “These employees go to oil refineries every day and receive wages that should barely cover the damages caused by the toxins that enter their bloodstream due to the difficulty of their work,” he concluded.
The protest and hunger strike underscore broader issues in Albania’s labor market, including the need for wage transparency, worker protection, and corporate accountability. The unfolding situation at Marinzë reflects a growing tension between the pursuit of profit by energy companies and the rights of the employees who sustain them.
The Albanian government’s role remains pivotal. Labor unions and civil society insist that ministries intervene before the situation escalates into a humanitarian crisis, urging dialogue and negotiation with Bankers Petroleum to ensure workers receive their rightful compensation.
This 10-day hunger strike also raises questions about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight and the legal mechanisms in place to protect workers. The case has sparked nationwide discussions on corporate ethics, labor rights, and the balance between business operations and social responsibility in Albania.
As of now, the Marinzë oil workers remain steadfast, demonstrating resilience and determination in their fight for fair wages, health protection, and recognition of their labor. Their ongoing struggle serves as a critical reminder of the need for transparent corporate practices and active government involvement in safeguarding the rights of workers across Albania.