The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is once again reassuring the public that it will do everything in its power to maintain a reliable electricity supply throughout the country.
In a media release issued yesterday, T&TEC expressed its growing concern over the coordinated protests that took place in various parts of the country on Thursday.
It also took issue with a warning from workers and their representing union the OWTU that the nation could face some “dark days” ahead.
“T&TEC wishes to once again assure the public that it will do everything in its power to ensure that the country continues to receive a safe and reliable supply of electricity without any disruptions. T&TEC has always prided itself on delivering excellence in customer service, and we will continue to do so with our dedicated and skilled workforce, who are committed to this mandate and will ensure that we maintain our stellar record and goodwill with customers,” the release stated.
This assurance followed an early morning workers’ protest outside T&TEC facilities in Port-of-Spain, San Fernando, Point Lisas, Arima and Tobago. The agitation, led by the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union was over issues related to health and safety concerns, manpower shortages, and ongoing salary negotiations.
OWTU President General Ancel Roget told reporters Thursday, that while workers would not strike they were prepared to invoke the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which allows them to refuse work in unsafe conditions that pose a risk of harm. Although Roget had previously warned in June that the country might face “dark days” due to the inability of workers to guarantee a reliable electricity supply, such a scenario did not materialise. He explained that workers continued to “walk a tightrope” in the interest of the nation, but cautioned that this would not continue if it meant risking a workplace fatality due to hazards. Union officials also pledged to reveal T&TEC’s defective vehicles, while Roget highlighted that manpower shortages were hindering operations. Workers, he added, had not received a salary increase since 2014.
But yesterday, T&TEC reiterated that the health and safety of both its employees and customers is its top priority. The State utility service also affirmed its commitment to investigating and addressing all health and safety concerns.
“Further, the commission continues to maintain and augment its fleet of over 300 vehicles with the procurement of 67 new vehicles, which is in progress. These vehicles will replace those that have become unserviceable and obsolete, as happens in every organisation with the passage of time.”
As an essential service provider, T&TEC said it remains acutely aware of its responsibility to deliver a reliable and safe electricity supply to its customers. It assured the public that it remains committed to resolving any challenges that arise and would stay vigilant in ensuring the delivery of uninterrupted, safe, and reliable service.
