Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has dismissed seven executives of the state oil company who were seen as ringleaders of escalating labor protest. 

Appearing on his weekly radio show Sunday, Mr. Chavez warned there might be more firings. 

His announcement was in response to a month-long strike at the state-owned monopoly, Petroleos de Venezuela. 

President Chavez said 12 other executives have been sent into early retirement. 

The Venezuelan leader says he considers the protesters' attempts to disrupt the strategic oil industry as "subversive actions close to terrorism." 

The dissident executives and employees are demanding the resignation of a new management board appointed by Mr. Chavez. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.

Email this article to a friend.
Printer Friendly Version