Experienced oil field workers in dwindling supply as demand grows

(Needville, Texas-AP) -- Oil producers have their help wanted signs out. <br><br>As oil production swings into higher gear, experienced oil fieldworkers are being sought. <br><br>Thousands of workers

Tuesday, March 21st 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Needville, Texas-AP) -- Oil producers have their help wanted signs out.

As oil production swings into higher gear, experienced oil fieldworkers are being sought.

Thousands of workers abandoned the oil patch when crude prices bottomed out in December 1998. Because of a lack of qualified workers.

Morris Burns is executive vice president of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. Burns says companies have rigs that won't be unstacked because there aren't enough hands to run them.

Producers are wary about the market's volatility. And they've used the higher prices to concentrate on reducing debt and restoring cash reserves.