For the second time in recent weeks, displaced inter-island ferry workers gathered outside the Parliament in Port-of-Spain, protesting what they described as their exclusion from employment on the cargo vessel now servicing the Trinidad to Tobago seabridge.
Approximately 30 workers who previously served aboard the MV Cabo Star say they were left without jobs after the vessel exited the inter-island service and was replaced by the MV Blue Wave Harmony.
The demonstration was led by Seamen and Waterfront Workers’ Trade Union (SWWTU) executive member Anthony Alexis, who said affected workers are facing severe financial strain.
“Workers are losing their jobs. They have families to feed, mortgages and bills to pay. Up to today, workers are coming to the Seamen’s union and talking about their plight,” Alexis said
According to Alexis, when the Cabo Star was scheduled to leave, workers were informed of the departure date and believed it was standard practice that a replacement vessel would retain the existing local crew, as had occurred with previous vessels operating on the seabridge.
However, when the Blue Wave Harmony began cargo operations to Tobago, none of the union’s members was employed on board.
“We thought that when one vessel leaves, another comes and we replace. That has been the customary practice over the years,” Alexis said. “But this time, that did not happen.”
He explained that under established arrangements, the SWWTU traditionally supplies labour, including motormen, deckhands and catering crew, for vessels operating on the seabridge. The union argues that qualified Trinidad and Tobago seafarers should have been given priority for employment.
“Our seafarers are internationally qualified. We work all over the world, yet here at home we are being left out,” Alexis said, as he called on the responsible minister to “meet and treat” with the union.
In response, however, the Port Authority, in a statement, said it has not fired any workers since the onboarding of the new vessel for cargo purposes to Tobago. The authority maintained that no dismissals were effected as a result of the Blue Wave Harmony entering service.
Despite this, the union insists that the practical outcome is that its members remain without employment and it will continue to press for engagement with the Government.
“This is the second time we are out here because we are not taking this lightly. We are simply asking for employment and fair treatment,” Alexis said.
The SWWTU has indicated that further action may follow if talks are not convened soon.
