Immigration officers sick-out again

Following sick-out action just one month ago, Immigration Officers were yesterday at it again, staying away from their workplaces in protest of a delay in outstanding meal allowances and travelling allowances.

Officers in both the Port-of-Spain and San Fernando offices as well as the office at the Port Authority reportedly called in sick. According to Chief Immigration Officer, Lakraj Bisoondath, seven out of ten officers reported for work at the Port-of-Spain office. At the San Fernando office, four out of eight officers reported for duty and at the Port in Port-of-Spain, two out of three officers came out to work. All officers reportedly called in sick but,  according to Bisoondath, the sick-out action taken by the officers did not halt the day’s operations. Bisoondath said all passport applicants and other customers were dealt with accordingly, as senior officers were called out to assist.

Bisoondath explained that both matters of concern are presently being addressed, with the job classification being handled by the Chief Personnel Officer, while the meal allowance issue is already before the Industrial Court. Bisoondath also chastised the officers for taking action and said “the officers taking action at this time are showing clearly they are highly irresponsible. With Carnival just around the corner, passengers could experience some level of difficulty at the airports.” Bisoondath maintained, however, that operations at Piarco Airport went along smoothly with the assistance of the senior officers. Bisoondath also explained that officers at Crown Point Airport in Tobago did not take part in the sickout. The Chief Immigration Officer could not say how long or how far the protesting immigration officers would take their actions. However, he called on them to return to work as soon as possible.