NATUC and SWUTT say they have marched under every government. The march starts at 9 a.m. at Memorial Park, and the PNM will take part.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Trade union leaders have rejected Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s claim that unions march only when an East Indian prime minister is in office, saying today’s march in Port of Spain is about “bread and butter” issues and the wellbeing of workers.
National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) general secretary Michael Annisette called the remark “not rooted in truth.” He said unions have marched under all administrations, including one of the biggest marches under the PNM in 2022. Steel Workers’ Union (SWUTT) president Timothy Bailey said SWUTT even protested outside then-Prime Minister Keith Rowley’s house on two Sundays. Annisette called the comment divisive and said unions reserve the right to disagree with any government, adding that the march is open to all who wish to take part.
The unions say they want progress on unresolved wage negotiations, outstanding salary arrears and the plight of displaced workers, CMC reported, as well as action on crime and unemployment. Annisette said the unions are independent and “will push back” whether or not people call them PNM. He said the march would not be called off by the Prime Minister’s Monday instruction to conclude negotiations with named bargaining units, because the issue is “bigger than concluding negotiations” and the unions want all outstanding talks that fall under Government concluded together. He said he recently spoke with the Public Service Association’s president and nothing concrete had been received.
The march begins at 9 a.m. today. from Memorial Park, passes the Queen’s Park Savannah, St. Clair Avenue and the Prime Minister’s office, and continues through Alexandra Street, Tragarete Road and Frederick Street to a rally at Woodford Square by noon. Bailey said more than 20 active unions were invited. Those listed to participate include the Communication Workers’ Union, SWUTT, the National Nursing Association, the T&T Unified Teachers’ Association, the Prison Officers’ Association, the Estate Police Association, the Amalgamated Workers’ Union, the Bank and General Workers’ Union and the Maxi Taxi association. The Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union will not take part because it is in talks with the Government on the Guaracara refinery.
The Opposition PNM has said its leadership, MPs and senators will participate, along with mayors and chairmen of several PNM-run regional corporations. Bailey said the unions applied for police permission weeks ago and that police said they were seeking information on “specifics.”
The Prime Minister has disputed the unions’ motives and accused them of “racial and political hatred” toward her party. She says her Government has paid back pay and is offering 10 percent increases.
This story will be updated.