With the inflation rate on the rise for the majority of the year and salaries just about stagnant for the most part, it seemed a great year for the unions to make some noise. Let’s see who made the most noise shall we.
Prime Minister Patrick Manning wants Filipinos/the labour shortage
The Prime Minister has said a lot of things that have stirred the ire of a quite many. Unemployed citizens may have raised a few eyebrows when he stated that he was looking to the Philippines to solve our labour shortage. With the Chinese having already made a name for themselves in government construction, is this call justified? Fact remains there is a labour shortage in the country as many service industry insiders will tell you and the blame has been spread from employers to the Unemployment Relief Programme. Problem yes, foreign workers solution..uh...maybe?
March through Port of Spain
In the greatest act of solidarity by the labour movement in recent times, a march through the nation’s capital was organised and came off on July 18. The precursor to the day of reflection, the zigzag march through Port of Spain’s busy streets under the theme ’Trade Unions against Crime and Violence against Children’, managed to gain a sizable turnout as thousands turned out to march against the numerous problems they faced inclusive of crime and rising inflation hoping to send a message to the government.
They got an A for effort.
TTPOST strike action
What happens when the mail man doesn’t come? The country learnt this lesson this year, as workers of TTPOST decided to take selected days off, then launching a crisis week. When pension cheques, bills and personalised income tax return forms didn’t turn up, the public began the feel the wrath of the postal workers. The board of Inland Revenue had to issue a bulletin for people to collect tax forms and extend their deadline while the then spanking new passport system experienced a rough baptism. Impact made, the workers finally settled in June.
NUGFW elections.
Already two years late, it didn’t help that when the election was first organised with a new voting system, it was suspended. Then came the allegations, a judicial review which was thrown out the attempted removal of the secretary Jacqueline Jack and after all this, there finally was an election, believe or not. You’d think it’s be settled there, no. Two recounts and court action, James Lambert was finally declared winner and Jack was reinstated. When Lambert was sworn in, Robert Guiseppi, the former president and the driving force in a majority of the election’s twists and turns simply said he had no problem with the new president.
TSTT protest for wages and t-shirts
With wage negotiations currently before the court, the Communications Workers’ Union and the company traded allegations and insult while we stood on looking in awe, somewhat. In November, allegations that workers were committing acts of sabotage to pressure the company. The CWU refuted the allegations, making their own and protesting using placards displaying photo-shopped pictures of TSTT executives in compromising positions. Still TSTT holds the most interesting reason for a protest for the year, when workers protested CEO Roberto Peon’s labelling a female colleague a ’fool’ following a mix up over Carnival jerseys.
Expect more to come next year.
National Petroleum strike
In protest action that is still ongoing, this one sparks interest as our recently increased gas prices are directly affected by this one. One month has already passed since plant operators at the NATPET Investment Company started protest action citing OSHA issues. NP has stated its’ productivity has remained at normal levels. We’re keeping our eyes on this one.
Day of Solidarity
September 8, the day the nation was set to shut down if union heads had their way. it didn’t quite turn out this way but several businesses, particularly in Central and South Trinidad did heed this call but the day was slightly overshadowed by the return of sprint relay team and double silver medalist Richard Thompson. The day of reflection, as the FITUN and the unions had labelled it was still considered a success by the figureheads.
T&TEC strike
It was only last week, T&TEC workers finally settled after extended negotiations. After many threats of possible blackouts, and possible blackouts that may have been connected to the protest action. Such strike related blackouts were denied by both the company and union officials but the negotiations just went on and on. The workers finally settled on 15 per cent. What took it so long?
Errol McLeod passing the throne
On June 19, 2008, Errol McLeod delivered his final speech as the president general of the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union after 21 years in the position. In typical fashion, his last speech involved a call for a nationwide strike action, which later manifested itself to an extent. McLeod stated that while it was his last speech as labour leader, it would not be his last agitation.
We salute you.
OSHA protests
With the Occupational Health and Safety Act now fully in effect, Occupational Health and Safety Authorities became the friend of many a protesting worker. PTSC, Yara, T&TEC you name it, they all listed their safety concerns, and often their protest actions depended upon it. The January death of Xia Teck Uon, also place construction firms under the spotlight when OSHA guidelines were found to be ignored.
