Shengli Oil Field Workers Protest in Dongying, Shandong

• Date: Nov 29 2005 Time: 18:57
• Description:
  From CLB: On November 29, 2005, several thousand unemployed workers originally with the Shengli Oil Field blocked the oil field management offices for several days, demanding a dialogue with company managers. In early 2000, the management had claimed the oil field had difficulty continuing operations and faced an uncertain future, with the possibility of bankruptcy. At that time, 20,000 workers signed agreements with the oil field to accept lay-offs. With the increase in oil prices, the oil field’s profits increased and those still employed received large pay rises. Many laid-off workers believed they had been cheated and demanded that management justify the layoffs or restore their jobs. [Note: I am assuming that the protested at the head offices in Dongying, Shandong].