Energean shifts London AGM to skip Greek protests

A black banner calls for system change and support for Kavala Oil workers — Energean has shifted its AGM in London in apparent response to a proposed demonstration around working conditions at its Greek oilfield. Picture shows; Protests calling for solidarity with Kavala Oil workers. Ireland. Supplied by IWW Union Ireland Date; 15/05/2022

Energean has shifted its AGM in London in response to a proposed demonstration around working conditions at its Greek oilfield.

The company had planned to hold its AGM at the offices of Norton Rose Fulbright at 11 am today. Instead, the company announced this morning it would move its AGM to the offices of White & Case, at 9 am.

The new location is around 1 mile from the old one. The company has not disclosed the reasons for its decision to move location.

Energean had been threatened with a demonstration at its AGM, organised by Earth Strike.

The group had accused Energean of mass layoffs and cutting salaries for the workers at Kavala Oil, in Greece.

Earth Strike reported clashes had taken place between oil company workers and riot police in December 2021. The police, the group said, had attacked union workers. They arrested 17 workers, it said.

Workers went on strike in January this year in protest at safety measures. All 185 workers have now been dismissed, Earth Strike said.

Energean’s management have made “unacceptable decisions” that have led to unsafe operations, it said.

Kavala fire

A fire at a storage tank with a number of water streams attempting to extinguish them — Picture shows; A fire at the Kavala Oil facility. Kavala Oil plant, Greece. Supplied by Earth Strike Date; 09/04/2022

An explosion occurred on April 9, this year, with a fire breaking out. Firefighters took more than five hours to extinguish the flames, Earth Strike said.

“The sacking of 185 highly skilled and experienced workers is not a just transition. It does nothing to protect the environment and in fact only creates further danger,” the group said. The IWW Environmental Committee and the Pan-Hellenic Energy Federation (PEF) also signed the statement.

The Kavala Oil demonstration aimed to target Energean’s AGM. The protesters were to meet at Tower Bridge at 10 am, next to Norton Rose Fulbright’s office.

Greece represents a small part of Energean’s production, but the company does have plans to develop a carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility at Prinos.

White & Case has advised Energean on fundraising in recent years, in addition to involvement in its 2018 IPO. Energean also held its 2019 AGM at White & Case’s offices.