Kazakhstan’s oil workers and government: what we can learn Simon Pirani Senior research fellow, Oxford Institute for Energy Studies
OXFORD INSTITUTE FOR ENERGY STUDIES Natural Gas Research Programme 2011 oil field strike: causes and consequences Kazakhstan as an energy producer and exporter Oil – for export. Coal and gas – for the domestic economy Management of oil wealth and government policy Taking distance from Russia; closer links with China Government/IOCs disputes over revenue split The gap between rich and poor has widened Trade unionism in the oil field The shadow of “official” Soviet trade unionism Efforts to establish new, independent workers’ organisations The oil field strike of 2011 The longest strike in post-Soviet labour history (May-Dec 2011) From pay and conditions dispute to broad social movement The government response The Zhanaozen massacre (minimum 16 dead, 60 wounded) Clampdown on trade unions, political opposition and media (2012) Conclusions
OXFORD INSTITUTE FOR ENERGY STUDIES Natural Gas Research Programme Crude oil for export, coal and gas used at home Kazakhstan's energy balance (millions of tonnes of oil equivalent) ProductionExportsImportsConsumed Crude oil Natural gas Coal and peat Other/ oil products Total , net calorific value basis. Source: IEA Energy Balances
OXFORD INSTITUTE FOR ENERGY STUDIES Natural Gas Research Programme July 2011: demonstrating in Zhanaozen Source: Nadejda Atayeva’s blog