Shell Workers Protest Planned Job Cuts

Employees of Shell Petroleum's base in Nigeria are protesting the proposed centralization of the oil company's global operations. Under a new proposal called "Exploration and Production Globalization," Shell says it hopes to increase the efficiency of its operations. "The Group continues to explore best practices in its drive to evolve a more overall efficient organization," the company said. "Whatever changes that take place is driven by the desire to extend its competitive edge. Globalization is one aspect of that drive." The worker's union, however, argues that the plan will increase the cost of doing business and marginalize upper-level Nigerian workers. In the past, union officials claim, restructurings have led to the demotion or removal of Nigerian directors, supervisors, and executives and the installation of expatriates in their place. So far, the union protest has not affected oil production. If Shell refuses to address worker demands, however, union officials say they will strike next week as well, effectively shutting down oil production. –YaleGlobal