Scores of Government printery workers continued protests through the streets of Port-of-Spain, yesterday.The workers began protests outside the National Library (Nalis) on Hart Street, Port-of-Spain. The protests began earlier this week over health and safety concerns at the workplace housing the printing works on Victoria Avenue, Port-of-Spain.Employees of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and Central Statistical Office also formed part of the protest action.
A representative of the printery workers, Ian Murray said that the 130 year-old building was now unsafe. He said: "Last month, a large slab of concrete fell from the ceiling of the building."Public Utilities Minister Emmanuel George said on Monday that a building was sourced for relocation and the union has been invited to view it.Representatives from the Public Services Association (PSA) and the printery viewed the building on Thursday.
Murray said: "The building proposed for relocation in Chaguanas is just as bad as the current one."He said the building located behind Liberty Centre has no car park space, is too small to house the printery's equipment and has minimal toilet facilities.PSA President Watson Duke who addressed the workers also said the building was unfit. Duke said the PSA is due to continue wage negotiations with Chief Personnel Officer Stephanie Lewis on March 1."We are not going to accept anything under 34 per cent," he said."If they don't give something decent, they would get a "spirit-lashing"," he said."They would not know what hit them. The workers are expected to resume protest action on Monday.