Unions are calling on their members to turn out in their numbers for a mass march through Port of Spain planned for Friday.
The march is meant to signal “complete rejection” of the government’s four percent pay rise offer, according to Public Service Association (PSA) President Leroy Baptiste.
Speaking yesterday during a press conference at PSA’s Abercromby Street, Port of Spain headquarters, Baptiste called on all workers to join the march to fight for better wages and job security.
“The objective here is to signal how we as workers will come together and ensure that this country respects and honors the blood, sweat and tears of workers and that what we produce we have a right to share in the spoils,” he said.
Also speaking at the press conference, Oilfield Workers Union (OWTU) president Ancel Roget said it was clear the government had no intention of negotiating beyond four percent.
“The Prime Minister is negotiating publicly, making a statement that they are not going beyond four percent, and then tells the union to go negotiate with the Chief of Personnel (CPO),” he said.
He added that ZPP is the spokesperson of the Government and there are no real negotiations.
“When someone tells you this is the final offer, there is nothing else after that. There is no room for negotiation. What should happen after that is a complete rejection of that disrespectful offer,” Roget said.
He called on workers to march on Friday.
“This is a fight for good wages. It is a fight for the dignity, status and respect of working people in Trinidad and Tobago. It’s about all workers, wherever you work, once you’re a worker, ask for your support for this major battle for the betterment of yourself, your children and the future of this country,” said Roget.
Not for disrespect
Representatives from a number of unions expressed their support for the march yesterday.
Trinidad and Tobago Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA) second vice-president Letitia Cox said her union stood in solidarity with all workers and would join the march.
“We are saying no to four percent. We are saying no to disrespect. We have nursing and midwifery staff who have been notified that their contracts will not be renewed…we are marching against this because right now the wards are short staffed and we are not dealing with any fake gratitude because they were applauding and delivered. about the cookies…and now when we need the staff, they’re telling them they’re not renewing any contracts,” Cox said.
Fire Officers Association President Leo Ramkissoon also stood by, saying fire officers have not had a pay adjustment in nearly nine years.
“Our pensioners will suffer immensely if we consider accepting what is on the table. Our officers are unable to turn to any institution to afford a house, or even to exist on a cost of living basis,” he said.
And Prison Officers Association president Ceron Richards said it was time for workers to take the fight to the Government.
He said it’s not that the country doesn’t have money to pay workers, but that the government is prioritizing the wrong things.
“You have in the Prison Service and other areas of the private sector people who enjoy huge contracts, huge contracts, that do not add any value to the organizations. They are finding millions for them, but they cannot find the money to resolve the outstanding negotiations in a reasonable and equitable manner,” he said.
Richards said there were rumors other union leaders were considering “giving in” and accepting the four percent offer. He warned that anyone trying to undermine or disrespect the working class people affected would be “an enemy of the Prison Service”.
Ironmongers
push the convoy
Also pledging his support, Communications Workers Union president Clyde Elder said workers should not feel that not participating in the march would save their jobs.
“If you feel that you don’t come to the march, it means that your job will be saved…that if I don’t show myself on TV, they won’t see me and I will be saved…” he said.
A number of other unions expressed their support for the march, including the Maritime and Water Workers Unions; Trinidad and Tobago Postal Workers Union; Bank, Insurance and General Workers Union; Union of Transport and Industry Workers; Aviation Communication and Allied Workers Union; Union of General Industrial and Sanitary Workers; Union of contractors and general workers; National Trade Union Center and Steelworkers Union.
The Trinidad and Tobago Iron Traders Association (TTSIDA) advised yesterday that in light of the union’s planned march, it will no longer hold its motorcade.
TTSIDA had planned a motorcade from the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba to the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain on Saturday to protest the government’s proposed six-month shutdown of scrap iron exports.
TTSIDA said it would hold its own event at a later date.
