NACTA's latest opinion poll shows that the majority of citizens do not want the labour unions to engage in a national strike that will cripple the country. According to the poll, people are overwhelmingly opposed to the declaration of "war" issued by unions against the Government which they say is tantamount to a declaration of war against the nation. They want the Government and the unions to negotiate to avert a strike and overwhelmingly support peaceful dialogue instead of confrontation.
Many of the poll's respondents feel in light of the current economic slump and flat economy, workers should not be making demands that will hurt economic recovery. They urge that both sides think about their actions. The poll was conducted by Vishnu Bisram with 300 respondents. Asked if they support the unions' declaration of war against the Government, an overwhelming 65 per cent said no with only 20 per cent saying yes. Asked if they support the unions' threat to shut down the country in a nationwide strike, 69 per cent said no with only 18 per cent saying yes. Some people say the unions are not sensitive to the vulnerabilities of the economy.
Even many state employees are against industrial actions, saying these will damage the economy and hurt innocent people. Asked if they support Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's position on labour negotiation, 61 per cent answered in the affirmative, with 29 per cent answering in the negative. They praised the Prime Minister for her firm stand in not caving in to labour pressure and urging negotiation. A majority of 57 per cent say the Government has treated labour fairly. Supporters of the Government, the labour unions, and the Opposition, as well as the private sector, urge that the labour conflict be settled peacefully without a strike and without disrespecting the rights of workers and union.
Here are the poll details:
1. Do you support the union's position declaring war against the Government?
Yes 20 %
No 65 %
Not Sure 15%
2. Do you support the union's position to shut down the country in a nationwide strike?
Yes 18 %
No 69 %
Not Sure 13%
3. Do you support the Prime Minister's stance on labour negotiations?
Yes 61%
No 29 %
Not Sure 10 %
4. Do you think the Government has been fair to labour?
Yes 57 %
No 29 %
Not Sure 14 %