Oil security workers in Assam oppose ‘volunteer’ tag, seek labour law compliant wages, job security

More than 1,000 oil and gas security workers from Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Charaideo and Sivasagar districts held a mass public meeting in Tingkhong, demanding formal worker status, fair wages and employment security from the oil and gas sector authorities.

The workers, who have been engaged for several years in safeguarding assets of Oil India Limited (OIL), Assam Gas Company Limited (AGCL) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in remote areas, alleged that they were recently designated as “Oil Security Volunteers” despite performing security-related duties on the ground.

The workers have opposed the proposed volunteer designation, saying it would deny them the status and benefits associated with formal employment. They alleged that there is a plan to engage them at monthly payments of less than Rs 10,000, without benefits such as Provident Fund (PF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI).

The workers demanded that they be recognised as “Oil Security Workers” and engaged either on a contractual or permanent basis, with wages and service conditions determined in accordance with applicable labour laws.

The meeting was attended by workers from the four districts who have been associated with the protection of oil and gas installations and assets in remote locations.

Around 100 women workers also participated in the meeting. According to the workers, the women have been involved in protecting oil assets without weapons for the past six years.

The workers said they want a clear policy on their employment status, wages and future security. They warned that failure to address their demands could lead to a coordinated democratic movement involving workers from Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Charaideo and Sivasagar districts.

The workers have called for early intervention by the concerned authorities to resolve the issue and ensure fair wages and employment security.