NUGFW head at MIC graduation: Let’s change our work attitude

Government senator and president general of the National Union of Government & Federated Workers’ Trade Union (NUGFW), James Lambert has told daily-paid workers to keep up their productivity levels. He made the call on Tuesday at a ceremony to mark the completion of a month-long training programme. The function was held at the Crowne Plaza, Wrightson Road in Port-of-Spain.

“Some of us think only in terms of money and not work, but we cannot continue in Trinidad and Tobago to work one hour for eight hours’ pay. It will not work. The economy of the country is dependent on productivity,” Lambert said. The veteran trade union leader was speaking to 180 graduates of a Metal Industries Company (MIC) programme. The graduates have now been hired as daily-paid workers with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and will be responsible for various building and maintenance projects.

Other speakers at the ceremony included HDC managing director Jearlean John, HDC board chairman Henckle Lall, MIC representative Benedict Chatour and staff from the HDC human resource department. Lambert spoke briefly about his recent appointment as senator being important as a“voice of the working-class people.” He also welcomed recruits into the NUGFW family, since he said daily-paid workers make up the majority of his NUGFW membership.

In addition to technical skills, trainees also received career development and computer literacy classes, among other career guidance advice.