There is a threat of protest action at Lake Asphalt of T&T (1978) Limited over stalled wage negotiations.
President General of the Contractors and General Workers Trade Union (CGWTU) Ainsley Matthews said workers were prepared to cripple bitumen and asphalt exports if the company did not put a wage offer on the bargaining table.
"This is totally unacceptable because it has been two years since we met for negotiations," Matthews said, adding that the last collective agreement expired a year ago and the company had failed to put a counter proposal on the table in current negotiations.
"They are totally ignoring us and saying that they are awaiting the advice of the CPO (Chief Personnel Officer) but workers are getting restless because they are dissatisfied with the slow pace of negotiations. The negotiating period of June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2014, has passed and there is still no settlement," he said.
Matthews said that 320 hourly and weekly paid as well as junior and senior staff are affected by the current stalled negotiations. "The company has made no wage offer. We had over six meetings since 2011 and the union is asking for 25 per cent across the board," he said. Asked why only six meetings have been held in four years, Matthews said: "That is how they treat us. The company is just not meeting with us because they have nothing to tell us. This is why the workers are considering industrial action."
CEO of Lake Asphalt Learie Hosein said a meeting would be held with the union next week. Hosein said he was surprised that they were planning protests as the company was in constant dialogue with the union.
He also denied that negotiations had not taken place since 2013.
"Our last engagement with the union on negotiations was on April 14, 2014. We have however been involved in non-crisis meetings on a regular basis," he said. Hosein said once a directive is given by the CPO, a counter proposal would be made.