A warning has been issued to the Port Authority of Port of Spain (PATT) to begin wage negotiations for 1,500 dock workers or find itself on an ’industrial relations slippery slope’.

The Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU) made the statements in a news release on Thursday and also called for Government intervention.

The release disclosed that the union has filed industrial relations offence no 2 against the PATT, for failing to meet with the union to start wage negotiations for the collective agreement for monthly paid, daily paid and marine workers of the PATT.

This is for the period 2008-2011, proposals for which were submitted in June 2008.

After meeting at the Industrial Court on Thursday, the court has instructed that the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Works and Transport, along with the PATT, appear before the court on December 14.

The release further stated:

’The executive of the union therefore takes this opportunity to call on the Government to put the necessary measures in place to ensure that negotiations on behalf of our over 1,500 dock workers that we have the honour and privilege to represent start without any further delay whatsoever, failing which the union will not be held responsible for any actions that may be taken to force the start and speedy resolution of this long outstanding negotiation.’

In response, SWWTU head, Michael Annisette said, ’This issue has to be resolved as this would not be good for PATT during the Christmas period that is approaching.’