Ukrainian Refugees Find Work and Hope in North Dakota’s Oil Field
Amidst the booming oil industry in North Dakota, a new wave of Ukrainian refugees has found work and hope in the state’s oil fields. Many of these individuals are part of a trade group’s pilot effort through the Uniting for Ukraine humanitarian program, which aims to recruit refugees and migrants to address a workforce shortage in the region.
Maksym Bunchukov, one of the Ukrainian refugees, vividly recalls the rockets exploding in his hometown of Zaporizhzhia as the war in Ukraine began. In an effort to ensure the safety of their adult daughter, Bunchukov and his wife sent her west to Lviv, later joining her with their pets. Now, 18 months after the war broke out, Bunchukov has found himself in North Dakota, following in the footsteps of thousands of Ukrainians who arrived in the region over a century ago.
Bunchukov is one of 16 new arrivals participating in the program, with an additional 12 scheduled to arrive soon. The North Dakota Petroleum Council’s Bakken Global Recruitment of Oilfield Workers program, which is part of the initiative, aims to address both humanitarian concerns and the need for a larger workforce in the oil industry.
The oil boom initially attracted workers from western North Dakota who had prior experience in oil field jobs. However, as the economy faced the challenges of the Great Recession, the Bakken oil fields saw an influx of people from other states and even other countries, all seeking high-wage jobs. The technological advancements in horizontal drilling and fracking further fueled this migration by making oil extraction from deep underground possible.
As a result, individuals arrived from far and wide, driven by the opportunity for work. However, recent downturns in the industry, compounded by the coronavirus pandemic and other factors, have led many workers to return to their home states, particularly if it means going back to warmer and more populous cities.
These shifts in the workforce have led to significant shortages in the oil fields. According to Council President Ron Ness, there are currently around 2,500 job openings in an oil field producing approximately 1.1 million barrels per day. While employers may not advertise each individual opening, they do periodically post for many positions.
Recognizing the potential of the Uniting for Ukraine program, the North Dakota Petroleum Council collaborated with various sponsors to help Ukrainian workers settle in the region. These sponsors, including company owners, managers, and employees, offer assistance in finding employment, healthcare, schools for their children, and safe and affordable housing.
Approximately 160 Ukrainians have already arrived in North Dakota as part of the program. While the number may seem modest on a national or statewide scale, it will make a considerable difference to cities like Minot and Dickinson, which have not traditionally been major resettlement hubs. State Refugee Coordinator Holly Triska-Dally anticipates that the workers’ families will likely join them, contributing to the local economy and enriching the school systems.
Bunchukov, who previously held jobs in mechanics and furniture sales in Ukraine, currently works for road contractor Baranko Bros. Inc. He and many other newcomers have experience in Alaska’s seafood industry, while some have worked on cruise ships or held various seasonal jobs. Due to their previous employment, many workers already possess Social Security numbers and have a basic understanding of English.
The recruitment of Ukrainian refugees not only addresses the workforce shortage in the oil fields but also provides an opportunity for these individuals to rebuild their lives in a new country. With the support of sponsors and the welcoming environment of North Dakota, they have a chance to find stability and success amid the challenges they faced in their home country.
As applications from prospective sponsors continue to increase, the Uniting for Ukraine program is gaining traction in North Dakota. It offers a promising model for aiding refugees and migrants while simultaneously meeting the labor needs of industries facing shortages. By establishing a foundation for success, the program not only benefits those who seek refuge but also contributes to the economic growth and development of the communities that embrace them.
