Employment, Energy, Legislation, Lithuania, Oil, Transport

Other procedures were undertaken after this move, the employer was submitted demands regarding salaries, guarantees and other conditions. Furthermore, it is being prepared for a strike.

On Monday, representatives of the trade union will meet with Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius to discuss the situation.

According to Chairwoman of the trade union, Virginija Vilimiene, this is the worst situation the Mazeikiai-based petroleum refinery has ever faced.

"We agreed with salary and social guarantee cuts. However, management of the company wanted even more. Thus, for the first time in the company's history, the collective agreement has been terminated. Now various protest forms may be invoked. A rally will be held next Friday. At the meantime we are preparing for a strike. We are polling employees on what measures and strike conditions they favour. We are also preparing to initiate legal action. We must protect our rights and get paid what we earn under such difficult conditions. The employers must see that the plant cannot operate without people," Vilimiene said.

This year around 160 employees were fired. Meanwhile, after Orlen took over the plan, a total of 2,000 workers were dismissed. Now around 1,400 people work at the plant.