October 17, 2005
To: Nabors Alaska Drilling Management
From: Nabors Alaska Drilling crew members
As Nabors employees, we have endured a continued pattern of
callous disrespect coupled with a thorough lack of appreciation by the "Upper
Management" of Nabors Alaska Drilling.
Nabors employees voted in favor of union representation
in October of 2000 in order to negotiate for better wages and benefits. In
our opinion, Nabors management not only failed to join in "Good Faith" bargaining
but also used the union and the negotiation process to shield themselves
from pay and wage increases that would have normally occurred to keep pace
with other drilling contractors.
Since it had become increasingly clear that no "reasonable"
increase would be gained through union representation, Nabors employees decided
to no longer be affiliated with the union group. Instead, we adopted
the philosophy of an "Open Door Policy" (that Nabors management had suggested)
should the union representation be withdrawn. As of yet no discussions have
occurred, with any and all questions directed at wage increases by us falling
on deaf ears. To make matters worse, Nabors Alaska Drilling has provided
all levels of management with very substantial wage increases over the last
several months. The current disparity in pay and lack of any communication
between upper management and the rig employees can no longer be ignored.
It has been suggested that (as hourly employees) we are
in fact a liability to the company. Much to the contrary, we are the greatest
single asset available to the company. The numbers have consistently shown
an increase in production with a dramatic drop in injuries, environmental
impacts and rig down time. All of which we should be very proud. The profits
reported by all concerned bear this out.
We need to develop an honest and realistic "Plan Forward" to
address our wage concerns. The current process of "hearsay and rumor" with
each crew change will not do.
We have been asked to "Keep the Faith" while the process continues. With
a matter so very important to both rig employees and the management, we feel
that a steady and continued dialog should have been established and maintained.
Again, this lack of communication shows a total lack of respect and concern
for our needs. Our "Trust and Respect" for the upper management team has
its limits and they are nearing and end.
It seems that there is little discussion left at our disposal
and now some action must be taken on our part. All rig hands have been contacted
at home and on the slope. An overwhelming majority of hands are in agreement
and are more than willing to stand together on this issue. With the increased
tension and anxiety (created by the lack of communication with upper management)
in the work place, it has now become a safety issue on all of Nabors’rigs.
Therefore an indefinite "Safety Stand Down" shall take place on Thursday
October 20th beginning at 11:30 a.m. Since this is a "Safety Issue" we should
not expect any intimidation or coercion from any management personnel. If
no response has been received by 9:00 a.m. Thursday October 20th we feel
it is our duty to notify local State, Federal and elected officials of our
intent so they can be aware of and prepare for the impending North Slope
drilling situation.
Starting at 6:00 a.m. Thursday October 20th each
rig shall communicate with their company representative on how best to secure
the rig and well. This shall ensure that no loss to equipment, well integrity
or environmental impacts occur, especially when involved in critical drilling
operations. That is why we have decided to openly notify you of our intensions
in advance so any modification to well plans can be arraigned for safety
considerations. It is not now, nor has it been our intention to cause harm
or bring unwanted publicity to Nabors Alaska Drilling or any North Slope
Operators but we are forced to take action.
Sincerely,
Nabors Alaska Drilling crews from: 2-ES, 3S, 4ES, 7ES,
9ES, TWIX