Port of Port of Spain
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC—
The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT) Says It Never Wanted to Take Action
The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT) says it never wanted to “take this action” as the Industrial Court ordered port workers, who had been protesting the payment of a 12 percent wage hike agreed upon in 2015, back to their jobs.
Prolonged Disruptions at the Port
“Prolonged disruptions at the port threaten businesses, with several Chambers of Commerce and enterprises voicing concerns about impacts on sales and operations,” PATT chairman Lyle Alexander said in a statement.
We Never Wanted to Take This Action
“We never wanted to take this action, but the workers’ steps jeopardize operations and livelihoods. We must protect stakeholders and the country,” he added.
Current Situation Unsustainable and Harmful
The Port of Spain said that while it remains open to dialogue to resolve the wage impasse, the current situation is unsustainable and harmful to national and regional interests.
Industrial Court Rules in Favor of Port
On Tuesday, the Industrial Court granted an interim ex parte injunction ending, at least for now, the industrial action taken by the workers in support of the demands of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU) to pay the wage increase.
Union Criticizes Port’s Decision
The matter is expected to be heard on December 6, when the union will present its case. Still, SWWTU president general, Michael Annisette, criticized PATT’s decision to seek an injunction, adding that the situation could have been resolved through dialogue rather than by resorting to legal action.
Minister Welcomes Court Ruling
Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan, who last Friday told Parliament that the 12 percent wage increase promised to workers in 2015 did not follow the guidelines and would not be honored, welcomed the court ruling as a “victory for Trinidad and Tobago.”
Conclusion
The Port of Port of Spain has been at the center of a controversy surrounding a 12 percent wage hike agreed upon in 2015. The union is seeking the payment of this increase, while the Port Authority is pushing back, citing concerns about the impact on operations and the economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation at the Port of Port of Spain?
A: The port is currently experiencing industrial action by workers seeking a 12 percent wage hike agreed upon in 2015.
Q: What is the Port Authority’s stance on the matter?
A: The Port Authority is seeking an injunction to end the industrial action and has argued that the wage increase is not enforceable.
Q: What is the union’s position?
A: The union is seeking the payment of the 12 percent wage hike and has criticized the Port Authority’s decision to seek an injunction, arguing that the situation could have been resolved through dialogue.
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