Whether it was to ensure compliance with the law on overtime payments and/or with a view to cutting back on costs, NP has reportedly reminded managers of the NP-owned stations that they have to pay workers statutory overtime payments. That's fine.
However, one manager (in the Maraval area) reportedly in response to the NP reminder, has decreed that the station that she/he's managing will be without attendants on Sundays. As the general public may know, there aren't many NP branded stations that still offer the attendant service in and around Port-of-Spain.
Now I'm one of those women that absolutely hates touching the gas pump but if I have to, then so be it. I do however like to tip the attendants as I recognise the value of the service that they provide to me as well as the fact that they are paid basic minimum wages. I believe (or would like to believe) that other users of stations that still offer the attendant service also tip them.
So the consequence of the decision to cut back on the service station attendants on Sundays may result in an additional drop in the income of these workers as a result of such decisions.
It also needs to be recognised that there are customers who are challenged by physical disabilities. While they have the ability to drive, they may be unable (for one reason or another) to use their hands to handle the heavy pumps, or for that matter, even unable to get out of their cars without assistance from a wheelchair or other device. These special customers will need the support of attendants to fill their tanks.
While I am not necessarily making out a case to have the attendants available Sunday to Sunday or even 24/7, my suggestion is that NP needs to take these factors into account, and let their customers know that serviced pumps are available during specific days/times in order that affected persons can rearrange their trips to the station within those times. This is surely no additional cost to NP.
My simple message is that we need to be more sensitive to the needs of all members of our society, and not just the able-bodied amongst us.
Ren�e Johncilla
St James