Former PDVSA Workers Protest, Demand Compensation from Horacio Medina and National Assembly

Caracas, Venezuela - A group of former workers from Venezuela's state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), gathered outside the National Assembly building today to demand justice and compensation. The protesters called on Horacio Medina, president of the ad hoc administrative board of PDVSA, and the National Assembly to address their grievances.

The former PDVSA employees claim they were wrongfully terminated and have not received the severance pay and benefits they are owed. Many held signs with slogans such as "Horacio Medina: Pay What You Owe" and "National Assembly: Defend Workers' Rights." The protesters chanted and gave speeches detailing the hardships they have faced since losing their jobs.

"We dedicated years of our lives to PDVSA, helping to power Venezuela's economy," said Maria Gonzalez, one of the protest organizers who worked at PDVSA for over a decade before being let go. "Now we have been cast aside with nothing to show for it. We are demanding what we are rightfully owed."

The demonstrators called on Horacio Medina to meet with them directly to discuss a resolution. They also urged the National Assembly to pass legislation that would protect the rights of workers at state-owned companies and ensure they receive the compensation they are due if they lose their jobs.

"It is the responsibility of our elected officials to stand up for the people," said Carlos Ramirez, another former PDVSA worker. "The National Assembly must act to prevent these kinds of injustices and make sure workers are treated fairly."

PDVSA has struggled in recent years amid Venezuela's economic crisis, U.S. sanctions, and declining oil production. The company has laid off thousands of workers as it seeks to cut costs. But the protesters argue this does not absolve PDVSA of its obligations to its former employees.

As of this afternoon, neither Horacio Medina nor the National Assembly had publicly responded to the protesters' demands. The demonstrators vowed to continue putting pressure on officials until their concerns are addressed. "We will not be silent until we get justice," Gonzalez declared to the assembled crowd outside the legislature.

The protest illuminates the difficulties many workers face in Venezuela as the country deals with a long-running economic and political crisis. With limited job opportunities and social safety nets, those who lose their jobs often struggle to make ends meet. The former PDVSA workers are determined to have their voices heard and ensure they receive the support they believe they have earned.

Key Takeaways

• Former PDVSA workers protest in Caracas, demanding justice and compensation.
• Protesters claim wrongful termination and non-payment of severance benefits.
• Protesters call on PDVSA's president and National Assembly to address their grievances.
• PDVSA has struggled due to Venezuela's crisis, leading to thousands of layoffs.
• Protesters vow to continue pressing for resolution until their concerns are addressed.