Tuesday February 9th, 2010
- Last update:11 hours 23 min ago
Chinese workers in highway protest
...claim unpaid $$, poor living conditions
Published: 14 Oct 2009
Chinese workers protest at the side of the southbound lane of the Solomon Hochoy Highway yesterday. PHOTO: LINCOLN ADAMS
Chinese contract workers from Beijing Liujan Construction Corporation have demanded that they be allowed to go home after claiming that the company has failed to pay them for two months’ work.
Yesterday, more than 100 Chinese workers staged a demonstration on the southbound lane of the Solomon Hochoy Highway. The workers, who were contracted to do work on the Five Rivers project in Chaguanas, started their demonstration at 5 am, causing a massive traffic jam, even on the northbound lane of the highway, as commuters slowed down to look at them. When police arrived on the scene, the workers said they were not being allowed to return to China and were forced to live and work in unfavourable conditions. The police were then informed by the company that some of the workers were in the country illegally.
As a precaution, the police had the protesters escorted to the Immigration Office, Henry Street in Port-of- Spain. When contacted, head of the North/Central Division ACP Shah Mohammed said the Chinese nationals who were detained by police were handed over to immigration officials because some of the detainees’ status in the country needed to be clarified by the Immigration Department. However, when the workers arrived at the Immigration Office, it was discovered that all of the workers were in the country legally and had their work permits. Commercial officer at the Chinese Embassy in Port-of-Spain, Gang Liang, said the embassy’s main role was to ensure that the legal rights of the workers were being observed.
He said the embassy did not condone any illegal or violent activity and he was on hand to ensure a peaceful solution could be met. Liang said it was a strict policy of the embassy to inform all Chinese nationals who entered the country that as foreigners, they were obligated to obey and follow the laws of T&T. He said the embassy would continue to monitor and investigate the situation. A representative of Beijing Construction, Daisy Feng, denied allegations that the workers had not been paid, and said they were not working in poor conditions. Feng said she could not give the exact details of the contracts signed between the company and workers, but said the contracts varied by projects.
She said the majority of the workers had been in Trinidad for 18 months and that the company would be holding talks with them to sort out the situation. After leaving the Immigration Office, the workers went to the Chinese Embassy at Alexandra Street, St Clair, where they continued their protest. But just after 7 pm, heavily-armed police officers took away the workers in police buses. It was unclear, last night, where they were being taken.
The company claims that the
The company claims that the workers are illegals. The Immigration Authorities confirm the workers have valid work permits.
The workers claim that they were not paid for two months' work and were forced to live and work in unfavourable conditions. The company denies that is the case.
Can there be two different versions of the truth? Given the false assertion of the company about the workers alleged illegal presence in the country in the first place, who has the credibility gap?
No doubt the workers relished their freedom to demonstrate, but their employer will more than likely see to it that they feel the brunt of some heavy-handed treatment on their return home. Maybe they will claim asylum here?
The Prince, I agree with you
The Prince, I agree with you that there are valid concerns here.
The credibility of the Company, Beijing Corp. has been shattered. Plain and simple, when cornered they LIED about the legal status of the workers, and this was proven by Immigration. So if they can lie about such a serious matter then I would tend to believe the workers in the allegations they are making of not being paid and living in horrible quarters.
The Chinese Embassy have to sit on the fence so as not to make it uncomfortable for their Beijing Corp. and the T&T Gov't. So the workers are caught in the middle of this mess.
Serious bone of contention: WHY did this Corp. knowingly employ 'illegal' workers, whom they asserted as such. Would they not be in violation of hiring un-documented workers? They have dug a hole for themselves here. I don't know our labour laws, but this company is definitely operating outside the law. And I believe that this is just one of their violations. How about Safety and Security; hours of work; pay - minimum wage or not; rest time; time off - 40 hour work week (?) - overtime etc. You guys can fill in the correct info here. This smells of SLAVE LABOUR to me.
Was this a 'sweethart' deal, with kick-backs knocking on the doors? I wonder! (Kind of like the O'Hallaran's Race Track deal - for you mature readers.)
The workers request to go back to China, and their wishes should be honoured. But The Prince, you are quite right that once they land back in China their human rights would be in serious danger. Our gov't has allowed themselves to become involved in one of the lowest practices known to man and that is 'enslave' a people. Shame on us.
We have handed out so much of our contract work to foreign companies with the intent of getting work done on the 'cheap' that we have sat on our sense of reasoning.
Could our locals not do the work these men have been employed to do?
Our Minister Imbert had the audacity to say on many occasions that foreign workers worked harder and cheaper. Now we know why.
Our Police, etc. better be careful how they 'handle' or 'manhandle' this situation as in this day, nothing remains secret.
The T&T gov't should terminate the contract with Beijing Liujan Construction Corporation, and send them packing. Our Local Contractors can take over from here; especially now that the money is all gone! Employ our people and circulate/recycle our pittance inside T&T.
Shame on our Government. They have been enjoying themselves, prancing around like peacocks. Now we are seeing the true colours come shining through. Weren't we raised with the mantra/saying that 'cheap thing - not good; and good thing - not cheap'. Some of us tend to forget this valuable lesson in life. Our gov't has sold its soul to the devil in its search for absolute power.
Gardenia
Gardenia, this kind of
Gardenia, this kind of modern-day slavery has not gone unnoticed. Not that long ago, the trade unions did take note and asserted that no one was representing these workers and that there conditions of employment were in violation of ILO norms. But I guess it must not be easy for the Unions to see these cheap foreign workers (chattel in the factors of production) depriving local labour of their bread and butter. And we have seen many locals praising the Chinese companies and workers and denigrating our own people. Only in T&T, although admittedly, the unions lose a lot of public support when they act and behave in a highly irresponsible manner. But standards are standards. (see item on ISO standards).
Some time ago a newspaper showed a glimpse of the living conditions of the workers on a Keate St site. One was having a bath from a barrel of water. There was a report of some cases of dengue fever, if I'm not mistaken, in the camp. The health and sanitation department needs to pay regular visits to these living quarters to ensure they are not a threat to the Nation's health.
You are right about the Chinese diplomat interviewed. He is after all a trained diplomat and has to be all things to all people, including his employer, the PRC.
The Prince, I hear
The Prince, I hear you.
There are a number of 'violators' here: intentional and unintentional.
But as a 'progressive' country, and I use the word loosely, we should not allow this to happen on our soil. But I guess that's simply wishful thinking on my part.
Don't be surprised if we get international coverage on this.
The big wide world is annoyed with China and their cheap labour as it robs them of jobs & profits. Now that BBC and CNN, etc. have easy access there, we see and read all sorts of things - slave labour, human rights violations, body parts from prisoners taken while they are still alive, etc.
Yes, it was the dengue situation you made reference to.
You know when you look at it we have a few living the life of Riles, and then at the other end many liviing like low level 3rd world. Do you think we can ever get out of this rut .. sometimes I simply have to put my 'what ifs' on hold, on the self - its called preserving my sanity. But I hope these guys don't end up getting punished if and when they return to China as many have been thrown in jail or simply disappeared.
Gardenia
Our Labour inspectorate,
Our Labour inspectorate, 'Fresh' Prince, where are they in all this bachannal? Are they sleeping or were they told to shut their eyes or look the other way? You have made a good analysis and some poignant observations above.
ajfyzabadbutlertown
Thanks, Amir. No one wants
Thanks, Amir. No one wants to touch this hot potato.
The mess hits the fan now. A
The mess hits the fan now.
A lot of people think that the Immigration Department is in cahoots with Udecott and the Chinese Embassy to bring in "slave" labour through any means necessary.
No one thought that these poor workers would have protested. On the tv news last night it was reported that 2 months salary for a worker amounted to TT$2,300.00, probably China's minimum wage.
http://dsaltsman.blogspot.com/
What does the law say? The
What does the law say?
The police were then informed by the company that some of the workers were in the country illegally.
So, the company hired men to work who they say are here illegally. What is the penalty for employing illegal workers, even though the company 'shopped' the guys? (That all those present were subsequently found to have work permits is another matter.)
There have been comments previously about the Cuban health workers and their level of english.
May I respectfully suggest that EVERY group of workers who comes here must have mandatory english lessons - that this is part of their contracts and part of the conditions in which the companies are awarded these contracts. This is perhaps not only vital from a health and safety aspect and communicating with other english language workers on site, but, it could create jobs for suitably qualified locals.
As for the withholding of salaries... obviously there is a variance of opinion and good on the workers for bringing attention to it.
La Diva
As a Trini living and
As a Trini living and working legally in London I can tell you that there was recently a case where the very judge that made the law that employers must ensure that their employees have the right to work in the UK before hiring and that judge made the mistake and hired an illegal immigrant. That judge was fined and there was even a call for her resignation.
So this chinese company should be fined for admitting that they hired illegal immigrants and they should and the workers should have the recourse to sew them for bearing false witness. But in Trinidad workers of any nationality only have rights if they have family in high places. Maybe all that would change when the governtment completes the transformation of POS into a concrete jungle and declare vision 2020 achieved.
Hey Brent, this is Trinidad
Hey Brent, this is Trinidad and Tobago, and if these Chinese diplomats were honourable when they came here, they have now adapted to the terrain.No one resigning or being charged here man.
Oye Brent, the chinese
Oye Brent, the chinese company is a limited liability company registered in Trinidad. So they must know the law...........Ooops sorry UDECOTT doesn't!
Just a minor correction,
Just a minor correction, Brent71. It wasn't a judge who was involved in the recent UK issue you mentioned. It was no less a person than the UK's Attorney General, Baronness Scotland. Lady Scotland, contrary to the rules she herself led through Parliament, forgot to photocopy her employee's work permit documents and was fined £5,000 for hiring a housekeeper with no rights to work in the UK. There were calls for her resignation, but she was backed by PM Brown and the matter died in the news.
Your salient point, though, is valid. First: how did the company know who had no rights to work in T&T? Second: why did it, knowing them to have no rights to work, why did they proceed to hire them still? Third: are the living conditions of appropriate, and are the labour contracts really in line with T&T's labour laws? Fourth: who's checking that the worker's rights aren't being trampled upon - the Chinese Embassy or local organisations?
There is something dodgy about this story. The Express also refers to a company spokeperson stating that the workers paid a downpayment to be hired (???), and that since they didn't finish the contract, they've lost this downpayment. Is this normal, or did the reporter confuse a downpayment with a bonus?
I'm amazed that we are
I'm amazed that we are allowing this disgusting modern day slavery to occur here...These poor people that have travelled so far to make a better life for themself and their families are treated so inhumane by these ruthless bloodsuckers...where are the human rights and other concerned groups...somehow they all seem to be silent...where is the government intervention? It's really tragic and disgusting...How can we as a society allow this to happen?
"It's really tragic and
"It's really tragic and disgusting...How can we as a society allow this to happen?" - by either not voting for change, or simply not voting at all. Just like the spiralling crime situation, we have allowed this to happen.
How difficult can it be to
How difficult can it be to verify that the workers have been paid and are working/living in poor conditions?
What happened to adhering to the OSH Act? No investigation/penalties?
When it comes down to it, it
When it comes down to it, it is slavery whichever way you slice it. And no matter what protests we make here or in other areas, all these efforts will amount to nought. If the Americans cannot shift the Chinese government from their fundamental positions on basic human rights, there is NOTHING anyone can do. The T&T government is complicit in chinese slavery by hiring their construction company and turning a blind eye to the methods by which these companies operate. The fact that the immigration dept could verify the legal status of these workers CONTRARY to what the construction company, BACKED BY THE BEIJING GOVERNMENT, claims, shows that these workers could expect no addressing of their rights. This is supposed to be know to them, ie, the way their govt operates - they seem surprised at the treatment meted out to them by their own people. As such they doing what they can't do if they were back in China... protest. And going by the methods used by Beijing, these men will not fare well, for in the eyes of Beijing, they have embarrassed their govt and their country. And as is the case with all slaves, they will pay a price for it. The T&T govt needs to decide what its own position will be and act accordingly. But since countries have interests rather than moral concerns, I do not believe that the T&T govt will act in a way which demonstrates moral concern for these Chinese workers. That's the rock. The hard place now is that if they send all the chinese workers and their companies packing, we have to deal with local contractors and local "workers", so-called "labourers" with the world's worst work ethic, and the waste and laziness and zero value for dollar will once again reign supreme.
Sad state of affairs.
THIS IS AN ABOMANATION
THIS IS AN ABOMANATION -
As the descendant of slaves I feel outraged. My grandmother supported PNM who came into power promising "MASSA DAY DONE". My family is composed of all main ethnic groups, African, Indian, Chinese and White (French Creole). My family is composed of diverse religious belief systems. Only a minute difference in DNA distinguishes us, we are almost identical. Where we are born or what tribe is an accident of birth and not of our choosing. Having been a supporter of the PNM, Civil Rights Movement, The Black Power Movement and the Anti-Apartheid movement my conscience cannot be comfortable with slave like conditions in this country of people of any ethnicity. Is this moral and spiritual value? It is even more disturbing when it sanctioned by a government led by an African descendant of the Christian faith. It would not have been allowed to happen under any other government, the media, the Churches, The Business Community, the NGO's and Politicians would have been in the streets. This duplicity is tantamount to a support of this atrocity to what end just to not make the government look bad. Whatever are the sins of other administrations none is comparable to this. None is comparable to the corruption we see. None is comparable to the crime we see. No matter how we try to rationalize it, be it,
1) Who we go put.
2) They thief.
3) They are fighting.
4) He has cases before court.
5) We have the treasury.
6) Is we people
7) They did give up on crime
This is the worst it has ever been, and we are only excusing it away with our apathy and share in the guilt of the perpetrators. It is not a sin of commission but one of omission.
Well join the Chinese, next
Well join the Chinese, next to them you have to be the only person in Trinidad who still a slave.
Fairplay, my friend, as
Fairplay, my friend, as civilised human beings we cannot sit back and see history repeating itself. We are no longer under the feet of masters, and as such we have to speak up when we see violations being carried out on persons, whether family, friend or strangers. We have to think and reason and come to the realisation that 'there but for trhe grace of God goes I'. The shoe could be on the other foot. The situation with these workers has brought to light some of the violations taking place under the watchful eyes of our Gov't, who it seem could not care less. We cannot sit idly by and witness atrocities imposed on another without speaking up in their defence. Empathy my brother.
Gardenia
Incidentally
Incidentally
1 - Liang said it was a strict policy of the embassy to inform all Chinese nationals who entered the country that as foreigners, they were obligated to obey and follow the laws of T&T.
This is an easy one!
2 - If it should come to these men being 'deported' who will pick up the tab for this? Beijing Construction or us?
La Diva
Who else but taxpayers. The
Who else but taxpayers.
The more I read the comments and varied views, the more I realise that as different as we all are, the very same thing hurts us all. No one in the government or in any high office has made any statements on this matter. So, pretty soon, it will go away.
Not So Fast, Mr. Epsomsalts,
Not So Fast, Mr. Epsomsalts, Sir
I think it will be the Chinese Embassy, if not Beijing Corp.
Unless, there is some clause in the conract with our people?
Remember the case of the illegals - Phillipinoes working in construction in Tobago, - was it last year - Was it not their gov't that picked up the tab? I may be wrong but I don't think that taxpayers may have to pick up this tab. Correct me if I am wrong? I have been wrong before.
The men and women sitting in our Seats of Power relish in the thought that "Silence is Golden' and they take a vow of silence as they know that we may move on to the next problem soon. Accountability should be our watch word.
Gardenia
Gardenia, if my memory
Gardenia, if my memory serves me right, I believe it was the Filipino Hon. Consul or her Embassy in Caracas who paid for the repatriation of the Filipinos, and I believe she would have been re-imbursed by the Philippines Authorities.
Usually in many immigration arrangements in the case of persons who are refused entry, the carrier (airline or shipping line) who brought them in would be liable for their repatriation. Often if the passenger holds a return ticket the Immigration would try to use the ticket for the purpose.
In the present case where the workers were deemed to have valid work permits, one assumes that they were legally admitted. But usually, a work permit is granted for the worker to work in a specific job for a specified employer. Normally it is the employer who applies for a work permit for his employee and this is issued/delivered prior to arrival or on arrival. If the employee leaves the job, normally the work permit would be invalidated. Let us assume that these workers were granted work permits to work for a different company and then went to work for Beijing Liujan without regularising their wps, then they might well be illegals employed by BL.
I would think that when a work permit is granted to an employer, there would be conditions attached and I'd imagine repatriation would be a stipulation. But these technical questions are best answered by the Immigration Department and the Ministry of National Security.
Epsomsalts, thank for the
Epsomsalts, thank for the info.
Looking at all sides of this case, there may be many unknowns to us. Complicated issue this is. Many seems to be in line for blame. But I do hope that these workers are not hung out to day. Being far from home, they are lost; and knowing China's human rights record is a frightening thought. (Hope you are not slighted when I josh with you .. no harm meant.)
Tnanks, Gardenia
Gardenia, I trust you read
Gardenia, I trust you read my views on the repatriation issue in response to your "Not so fast, Mr EpsomSalts".. I have since had a look at the Express, and I have the impression that the Company was going to arrange a flight home for the workers who they claim broke their contracts, thereby forfeiting the two months' salary that were retained as some kind of surety. Let's see how this plays out.
The Prince.
OOps .. My Prince - No
OOps .. My Prince - No disrespect meant
But in my hazy mind today, I thought that the response was from Epsomsalts. I am sure you realised the error of my ways, and being the gentleman that you are you avoided rapping my knockles. Something must have fallen into my pot of tea. Sorry.
I read the Express' version. But I am still concerned for these guys.
"Edmundgall" raised the question of the 'downpayment".
I believe that it is some type of fee they have to pay to sign up with 'Recruiters/Consultants/Head Hunters' who would process all their papers for them and if they should complete their contract, then the money may be returned to them. If they violate any part of the contract as these guys apparently have done, the stand to loose their downpayment.
This is a big problem in North America with persons coming from China, India, Phillipines, Latin America and yes even T&T who pay 'recruiters/consultants/Head Hunters' sometimes up to $10,000. (CDN/US) to assist them into getting employment in Europe and North America, only to find out when they land they are slotted into low paying jobs under sub-standard conditions. In the past week there was coverage of some of these people and the horrors they have had to endure. These coverage are in the news on an on-going basis. Taking advantage of desperate/underprivilege peoples. So I believew these workers may have found themselves in similar circumstances. 'Keep quiet, work and live like slaves ... if you step out of line, or attempt to stand up for your rights, we will squish you.'
Sorry to say, they now in harms way in T&T or back home.
My question is whether my gov't has knowingly entered into this 'racket'.
Sorry, again.
Gardenia
Ps: did you read my comments to The Editorial today. What do you think .. made any sense? G.
Well said epsomsalts... It
Well said epsomsalts...
It really hurts me to see these people hungry as they must be still manage to smile for the cameras.
They came here to build building for us so we would be comfortable and they do it for cheap.
We as a nation need to stop letting this kind of thing just pass in the wind because as soon as we wake in the morning we will forget about.
Blah, Blah, Blah. Why are
Blah, Blah, Blah. Why are you proposing that taxpayers dip into their pockets and pay for the return of these illegal chinese workers? You are so stupid to even suggest that. Plus, I read your blog and its very stupid and racial. Why don't you produce a television show if you are so brilliant Mr Epsomsalts?
FYI they're taking it out of
FYI they're taking it out of the worker's pay. But don't worry, even if they took it out of the taxpayer's money, GOOD because they were getting next to nothing for all of their work.
AFRICANS UNITE
AFRICANS UNITE -
As we speak illegal African immigrants are languishing in the prisons. If we do not care about our own who would we care for. BLACK AND PROUD SAY IT LOUD, MASSA DAY DONE, FREE YOURSELF FROM MENTAL SLAVERY were these mere slogans.
WHERE IS THE CHINESE
WHERE IS THE CHINESE COMMUNITY? -
This is an affront to all Chinese. We know Chinese are hard working but that does not mean they should be exploited. We know Chinese are conservative. If people feel that Chinese can be treated unfairly, it is only a matter of time before they feel that they can discriminate against Trini Chinese. This rot must stop. I am in solidarity with my Chinese Brothers, “ME CHINY TOO". I do not have the time but I will give you the joke surrounding that statement.
Yes, alot of people are
Yes, alot of people are disappointed in the Chinese Embassy. The workers were seeking help in their situation, not looking for a hand out and they were turned away.
The truth is that the
The truth is that the construction workers have been given a bad deal. For the past year, all I've seen are ignorant, negative reports on these workers here. Local people putting them down and complaining that these nationals were taking away their jobs. But the truth is that no one would want to be in their shoes given the conditions. Horrible accommodation, working overtime and not being paid for it. And guess who has to pay medical bills in case something goes wrong? Whatever these workers signed up to is never the case when they show up here. What are they to do then?
I'm glad that these guys got together and forced us the country to see the reality of the situation instead of the one sided media coverage that we've been getting.
I wonder if intervention
I wonder if intervention from persons like Mr Rennie Dumas who is knowlegable in labour matters cannot bring some sense to these foreign worker situations. Mr Kennedy Swaratsingh who through his former training may be able to add some sense to this problem also.
The Chinese are not the only foreigners who are suffering.
I have heard of a Guyanese domestic worker who lives in bad circumstances and her employers hold the threat of reporting her to immigration.
There are well educated Phillipino workers who borrowed the money to arrive here and their employers never regularized their legal status in the country. Then, there is the situation where all the foreigners resemble so papers are fixed for some.
The "ho-tels" which dot this very religious country is also a type of slavery.
There is also the problem of foreigners marrying locals just to get to stay- all this with the blessing of the immigration department.In these instances the unsuspecting locals marry the foreigners, only to be divorced and then they bring in their own people.
This is true modern day slavery at its best and it is certainly a situation that our government and people should not condone.If these humans are not legally employed and needed in the country , they should be repatriated humanely.
I am surprised that the police had to physically "control" people who were out looking for help. Even TTSPCA feeds pets that it picks up on the street. Working legally is not a crime on the books of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Human trafficking?? The
Human trafficking?? The local office of the International Organization for Migration should be investigating this situation. I remember well the fanfare announcing the fact that T&T had been granted membership in the IOM on 29 June 2009. IOM observers, ride out now!
Without knowing any of the facts, I fully support the Chinese workers. Why? Because I can smell the stink of corruption from a mile off. I am proud of the action taken and the solidarity shown by these workers. They come from a culture where protesting against injustice is not tolerated and yet, here they are, alone and out on a limb, risking everything.
Illegal immigrants or not, despite their relative isolation within our society, the language barrier, the precariousness of their situation between an indifferent government, greedy corporations and their kowtowing Embassy officials and not to mention the possible repercussions upon their return to China, they are standing up for themselves and at the same time teaching us a thing or two about courage.
This brings to mind the incident last year when Chinese labourers in the Turks and Caicos took even more drastic steps to protest similar problems.
I have observed some of these labourers at work and I have also visited one of the camps in which they are housed and I can tell you that they earn every red cent that is dropped into their underpaid hands.
This is a disgusting situation and if T&T has any shame left to spare, this latest protest warrants it.
Nina0646 This is slave
Nina0646
This is slave labour at its lowest and most degrading... Where is the Chinese Embassy in all of this???
The Chinese Embassy
The Chinese Embassy represents the Government of the People's Republic of China. There are very many positive and good things about China, but like everywhere else, there are some negatives. The absence of human rights which we take for granted, the use of prison labour to manufacture cheap export products, the trade in human organs of executed prisoners, the suppression of the rights of the Tibetans, including the Dalai Lama's exile, using toxic substances in baby milk formula, using lead paints on children's toys exported all over the world to mention a few. Granted some of these are down to unscrupulous business and have nothing to do with the State, except in so far as quality control is concerned.
The Chinese have had one of the earliest "diplomatic services" in the world and have produced many sages. Confucius readily comes to mind. I am sure that the Chinese diplomats will do some fancy diplomatic footwork and would come up with a good face-saving solution for all concerned.
China is alleged to have a
China is alleged to have a poor record where human rights is concerned. This does not give any person(chinese or otherwise) the right to treat Chinese badly or condone worker abuse on Trinidad and Tobago soil.
Should some people not be charged in this instance?
I am so proud to see that you all are strongly objecting to this atrocity.