I am really disappointed in the Government granting the OWTU the nine per cent increase for Petrotrin workers. It proves that the Government is weak and that there really were no contingency plans in place for the delivery of fuel. How can we justify giving in?

A raise is not an entitlement. It must be justified and shown to be economically sustainable. How can we justify giving a raise of nine per cent to persons who are already the highest paid in the country in their job categories, at a time when our coffers are not bursting at the seams and the world economy is in trouble?

A week ago many Government spokespersons said that five per cent was the best Petrotrin could reasonably afford.What changed?

I want a Government that is strong and based on sound principles — principles of economics, accountability and morality. I know not where to turn next election. But it won't be People's Partnership and it won't be PNM.

They should have let the workers engage in their 90-day strike. I would have utilised the Army and contracted workers to make deliveries of fuel and other essential services. I would have stared down the strikers. And the majority of the country would have supported and respected the Government for this.

The following scenario may have evolved. With the Christmas season just past and Carnival climaxing, I would have loved to see how long the workers would have held out without pay. One day, a week, or maybe they would have surprised us and lasted the three months. The strike would have eventually failed after a short time.The country and general citizenry would have suffered for a bit...but now we will be at the mercy of other hotheads.

David Saint

via e-mail