Letters

May 25, 2009

Quick to hire, fire

I read with interest your editorial in the Apr. 13 issue, which quite rightly pointed out the recruitment problems of the oil and gas industry and how these have shifted dramatically in recent months (OGJ, Apr. 13, 2009, p. 18). However, I think the article misses the more fundamental truth in focusing yet again on the industry’s perceived “image” problem. Rather than banging the familiar drum about how the younger generation sees no future in the oil and gas industry, should we not worry that they see the industry only too clearly—as one that is quick to hire and even quicker to fire?

There is nothing more dispiriting to someone who has undergone 4 or 5 years of university training and been promised a glittering future than to see it all snatched away because the industry itself cannot plan its future sensibly. Nor is it any use in blaming it on the Obama administration and the move to a low carbon future since the oil and gas industry has been successfully shooting itself in the recruitment foot for many years before.

Sarah Beacock
Professional Affairs Director
Energy Institute
London

Shot in the foot

Again, the oil and gas industry has shot itself in the foot by not making an effort to explain to the public why gas prices have gone up 20¢/gal in the last 10 days or so. Even my wife is screaming collusion.

The industry continually wrings it hands over its public image but continues to ignore the obvious places to open a dialog with the public. Why was there so public explanation concerning the relationship to crude prices, the usage of summer-grade gasoline in places like Houston, etc.?

When will the titans of this industry realize they have to reach out to the public when there is an opportunity to open a dialog and make a point. The obvious answer is never.

Stan Thurber
Spring, Tex.