In the wake of the disputed election in Venezuela, a wave of forced resignations has swept through the country’s state oil company, PDVSA, and other government agencies. Workers and unions allege that over 100 employees have been pressured to leave their positions due to their political views, creating a tense atmosphere of fear and suspicion.
The government of President Nicolas Maduro, who claims victory in the July 28 election, has faced international condemnation over the voting process. Opposition groups contend that the election was rigged and that their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won a decisive victory. This ongoing political dispute has had a tangible impact on the workforce, with employees caught in the crossfire.
According to multiple sources within PDVSA and a union leader, top executives have mandated that employees attend pro-Maduro rallies and have closely monitored their social media activity. Those who have expressed dissent or disapproval of the election results have been targeted for removal. “They call you to human resources, sit you down, and give you a resignation letter you must sign,” said one source familiar with the situation, highlighting the coercive nature of these actions.
This situation adds further strain to PDVSA, which has been struggling with a chronic shortage of qualified personnel. The company’s oil output has plummeted in recent years, and this recent exodus of employees threatens to exacerbate the issue further. At PDVSA’s headquarters in Caracas, an estimated 100 administrative employees have been forced to resign since the election. The situation extends beyond the capital, with over 30 employees at PDVSA’s Eastern division, responsible for a majority of Venezuela’s crude oil production, being pressured to leave, according to the country’s largest oil union.
The pressure extends beyond PDVSA. Union leaders and sources from various government agencies report similar crackdowns across ministries, state power company Corpoelec, state industrial conglomerates, and even public media outlets like Caracas’ subway system. Reports suggest that at least eight employees from the oil ministry have been forced out due to their political stances.
While the exact number of public employees who have lost their jobs since the election remains unclear, the impact on the workforce is significant. “They make an argument about the smallest things, social media status, a message in your profile, a quote against the government. They take a screenshot and pass it to human resources,” said a refinery employee who requested anonymity fearing retaliation.
The international community, including Western countries and the United Nations, has urged the Venezuelan government to release a full tally of the election results and cease the persecution of its citizens. The situation in Venezuela remains volatile, with anti-Maduro protests leading to deaths and arrests, further highlighting the complexities of the political climate and the impact on its workforce.
