GPOC threatens “necessary actions” against local workers

June 29, 2020 News, Newsbeat, South Sudan

Logo of the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) that is exploring oil in South Sudan (Photo credit: GPOC website)

June 29, 2020 (SSNN) – The Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) has threatened to take what it said would be necessary actions against its South Sudanese employees, according to a letter obtained by South Sudan News Now.

This comes days after South Sudanese workers took out to protest against unfulfilled promises of better working conditions by the giant oil consortium which ended a few days later.

In the latter dated June, 22, GPOC president, Mr. Guo Xinwen asked the Workers Trade Union of GPOC, a body formed by local workers, to submit its registration certificate to probe its legality otherwise it would have the choice of necessary measures which it did not specify.

“Before GPOC officially respond to you, please submit the following documents by 24 June 2020 to prove your Legal Personality as per Article 14 of the Workers Trade Union Act 2013 South Sudan,” the letter obtained by South Sudan News Now partly read.

The requested documents include names of provisional committee, signature of all provisional committee members on the basic rules of the union, a summary of the Union, the general election documents of all members enrolled in the union for the purpose of forming an Executive Committee, and the certificate of the registration.

The letter added that “If you fail to provide within three days the above documents to authenticate your Legal Identity and Personality, GPOC has the right to take necessary action.”

Mr. Guo Xinwen said in the letter that his request was in accordance with the Workers Trade Union Act of 2013 which states that “Trade Union Organizations shall acquire Legal Personality on the date of its registration in accordance with the provision of this act.”