Members of the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union (OWTU) turned tables on their former leader, Labour Minister Errol Mc Leod, when they mounted a protest to fast track outstanding negotiations outside the T&TEC Southern Area office yesterday morning. The disgruntled workers, led by current President Ancel Roget, marched around T&TEC's Cipero Street office in San Fernando, clapping and chanting: "Mc Leod in his office hiding, hiding from workers." Asked about this about turn against the man who schooled him in trade unionism, Roget skirted the issue, remarking instead that the workers were frustrated.
Warning that appropriate action will be taken if the issues are not settled fairly and justly, Roget signalled the OWTU's intention to start the "Carnival at The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC)." He explained that the struggle mounted yesterday, and expected to continue throughout all of T&TEC's operations, was to send a powerful message to the government that they have no intention of accepting the zero percent offer currently on the table. "These workers protesting here would have much rather been on the job dealing with the reliability of the supply of electricity. Because of the ignoring of the workers' plight in respect of a new collective agreement, the workers have come out here to demonstrate," Roget said.
He explained that the last collective agreement expired on December 31, 2008. "What is instructive is that over that period, (2008 to present), the workers provided a reliable supply of electricity to the country, responding to all emergency calls, lighting areas that were dark and contributing to the crime and criminal situation. "Negotiations started May 6 last year with the old Board. Two years and two months into a new period, we have a new Board, the line Minister has changed, but the approach is the same. "We are saying that it is time workers are treated fairly and justly and that the Board and the Commission come to the table with an offer that is worthy. Zero on the table we will not accept." Roget said he was disappointed with Public Utilities Minister Emmanuel George.
"We had a lot of expectations from this Minister of Public Utilities. We are very disappointed with the approach taken." He suggested: "This is a good opportunity for him to embrace the input and productivity of all the workers and direct the Board of T&TEC to ensure that these issues are settled once and for all. They have had enough time in office to look at the workers' plight and ensure that these issues come to a speedy and acceptable resolution."
