Sidor's new CEO, Carlos de Oliveira, Monday confirmed the importance of strengthening communication between Sidor and its labor force, so as to benefit overall productivity within the company. Oliveira was sworn into the position on Saturday by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez Frías. The workers union has stated if fully backs Oliveira's appointment.
Oliveira was appointed on the basis of nominations made to President Chávez by workers through the workers' control panel, which aims to achieve a change in the production model and basic business management, where decisions are made in consensus with the entire labor force.
The Venezuelan president called for full cooperation to the new director in order to pursue and successfully execute business plans. Early Monday morning the new CEO held a meeting with workers at gate 3, reaffirming the company's commitment to listen to the workers.
The call he said, is for unity and dialogue. Said Oliveira, "Our intention is to listen, despite the differences that may exist; we are at a point where the company is in a difficult situation, but we can push it ahead. What prevails is unity, without unity we cannot build."
He further stressed that communication with the labor force will be essential during his tenure at Sidor, and that he will establish mechanisms such as workshops, where workers and management can discuss the guidelines of the company. "Since Sidor's privatization, the company has lost identification with its workforce. I think the general feeling is that Sidor's identity has been lost, and it must be recovered by a new generation of workers."
Carlos de Oliveira began his tenure with Sidor on February 3, 1983. Prior to his appointment to CEO he worked as an engineer for the company's Senior Automation and Control department. He graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Universidad Nacional Expiremental Politécnica Antonio José de Sucre on July 8, 1982.