Abelardo and USO talk about Ecopetrol and the reactivation of fracking

President Abelardo de la Espriella met with representatives of the United Workers' Union (USO), the largest labor union representing workers at Ecopetrol, during a private meeting this week. The discussion focused on the state-owned oil company and the potential resumption of hydrocarbon exploration, including hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, a topic aligned with both the new government’s agenda and the union's interests. The meeting marked the president’s first direct engagement with a labor organization that has historically been politically opposed to his administration. The USO was a key ally during the presidency of Gustavo Petro, and its members have often advocated for stronger worker protections and environmental safeguards. Despite these ideological differences, the two sides found common ground in their shared interest in reviving fossil fuel activities under stricter regulatory oversight. Both the president’s official accounts and the USO’s social media posts confirmed the meeting, though the exact timing remained unspecified. The USO’s account provided more detailed information, stating that the goal was to restart exploration and production of oil and gas, with a particular emphasis on fracking. According to the union, the government pledged to ensure such activities would be conducted responsibly, without compromising natural resources. Present at the meeting were several key figures. On the government side, Joaquín Gutiérrez, a close confidant of the president and a figure increasingly viewed as influential within the administration, was present. He has already secured positions in high-ranking government roles, including within the Ministry of Justice and the New EPS health provider. Gutiérrez is also being considered for leadership at Ecopetrol, following the pattern set by former President Petro, who placed his campaign manager, Ricardo Roa, in charge of the company. Among the union representatives were César Loza, a former leader of the USO and a former member of Ecopetrol’s board, and Martín Ravelo, the current head of the union. Also in attendance was Carlos Alonso Lucio, a strategic advisor to the president and husband to Education Minister Viviane Morales. Although Lucio was included in the USO’s post, he was absent from the president’s official announcement, which featured a photo of the gathering without him. The location of the meeting appears to have been the Palacio de San Carlos, an alternate presidential residence in Bogotá, based on the image released by the USO. The president’s office stated that he was currently attending to “private matters” in Barranquilla, suggesting the meeting took place earlier in the week. The meeting reflects broader tensions over control and direction of Ecopetrol, a critical national asset. As the government seeks to balance economic growth with environmental concerns, the role of labor unions and their influence over corporate strategy will remain a focal point. The outcome of this dialogue could shape future policies and appointments within the energy sector.