The National Trade Union Centre of Trinidad and Tobago (NATUC) is calling for immediate action to address the long-standing wage disparities affecting workers across the public sector and, in particular, workers at the Port Authority.
The union is calling for the promised 12 per cent wage hike for port workers to be honoured by the Government.
In a statement yesterday, NATUC commended the Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led Government for implementing the negotiated nine per cent salary increases for employees of the National Insurance Board of Trinidad and Tobago (NIBTT), covering the collective bargaining period 2014–2016.
But the union also highlighted a similar situation at the Port Authority of T&T (PATT), where dock workers and other employees are still awaiting “rightful” salary adjustments. NATUC pointed out that a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between PATT and the Seamen and Waterfront Workers’ Trade Union (SWWTU) for the 2014–2017 period, but claimed implementation was blocked during the Dr Keith Rowley administration.
“The record is clear: it was the Rowley/Imbert administration that deliberately interfered with the collective bargaining process. Such actions amount to an unforgivable betrayal of workers,” Annisette said.
NATUC repeated its solidarity with PATT workers, calling for the immediate implementation of the 12 per cent increase for the 2014–2017 bargaining period. It also urged the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance to allocate funds in the upcoming budget for the promised 10 per cent increase for all government employees.
“Workers across Trinidad and Tobago are anxious but hopeful. They have a legitimate expectation that the Honourable Prime Minister will deliver on her word. NATUC will continue to stand firm with workers in demanding wage justice, dignity, and respect,” Annisette said. —Otto Carrington
