17 April 2016: Kuwait oil workers strike

On 17 April 2016 thousands of oil workers in Kuwait walked out on strike against government plans for privatisation of parts of the oil industry, and a new payroll system which, workers claimed, would reduce salaries. The strike slashed oil production in the country in half, from 3 million barrels per day down to just 1.5 million.On April 20, workers eventually agreed to return to work "in respect for the emir and in loyalty to him", according to the Kuwait Oil Workers Union, while negotiations took place. The union claimed the strike had been "extremely successful", but it is unclear if they achieved any concessions.More information, sources and map: https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/7783/kuwait-oil-strikeOur work is only possible because of support from you, our listeners on patreon. If you appreciate our work, please join us and access exclusive content and benefits at patreon.com/workingclasshistory.See all of our anniversaries each day, alongside sources and maps on the On This Day section of our Stories app: stories.workingclasshistory.com/date/todayBrowse all Stories by Date here on the Date index: https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/dateCheck out our Map of historical Stories: https://map.workingclasshistory.comCheck out books, posters, clothing and more in our online store, here: https://shop.workingclasshistory.comIf you enjoy this podcast, make sure to check out our flagship longform podcast, Working Class History