PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC—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 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, but the workers’ steps jeopardize operations and livelihoods. We must protect stakeholders and the country,” he added.
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.
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.
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.
“Unfortunately, the port chose this path rather than meeting with the union. In my view, such discussions would have resulted in a decision that truly serves the best interests of Trinidad and Tobago,” Annisette said, adding the union would respect the court’s judgment and await the written orders.
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.”
“It’s a victory for the business community, the Port of Port-of-Spain’s reputation, and doing business in Trinidad and Tobago. It’s also a victory for the workers at the port because we are acting in the best interest of all stakeholders, including the workers,” he told the Trinidad Guardian newspaper.
Sinanan told legislators that, based on legal advice from two senior counsels, PATT and the SWWTU were advised that the memorandum of agreement (MOA) is not enforceable.
Sinanan also reiterated that there are three bargaining units at the Port of Port of Spain and that the “issue is with one of the bargaining units.”
“There are rules and regulations regarding how we negotiate with workers. If the union is their bargaining unit, we will engage the union. The port has always been open to meeting with the unions, but the unions have taken a stand of 12 percent or nothing,” he added.
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