Plipdeco workers settle

WITH the Atlantic LNG/Bechtel workers’ impasse grabbing the lion’s share of local media attention, at least one labour dispute appears to be heading towards an amicable resolution.  Management officials at Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Ltd (Plipdeco) have agreed in principle to include workers’ demands in management’s review of the status of casual workers within the new collective bargaining agreement. In an interview yesterday, Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU) president general, Michael Annisette, described Tuesday’s negotiations as “fruitful,” saying the company also agreed to discuss its mandatory drug policy and put in place a new workers’ call-in centre.

He said an agreement was also reached to review the status of several workers who were terminated due to the company’s drug policy, saying rehabilitative action as opposed to punitive action would now form part of the new industrial agreement. Annisette said an agreement had also been reached to replace the dilapidated call-in centre with a new facility by the middle of the year. Concerning the issue of the $23 million crane purchased by the company, he said the union regarded the issue as “critical” and signalled its intention for a formal investigation to be launched in the matter. On Tuesday, scores of workers staged a peaceful placard demonstration outside Plipdeco House in Pt Lisas demanding the company upgrade the call-in centre and supply an improved transportation service for workers. Discussions are expected to continue at Plipdeco House next Thursday. And while port workers can look forward to a seemingly fruitful relationship with port management, the same cannot be said of daily paid workers carrying out construction of the Atlantic LNG Train IV project and the 56-inch cross-country pipeline project.

For the past month, over 2,000 workers have downed tools to protest better pay packets and better working conditions. Things came to a head this week with workers staging a major rally at the site in Point Fortin and their representatives vowing no work whatsoever, until their demands were met. Workers are calling for salaries that are comparable (not taking into consideration the six dollar conversion rate) to their counterparts in the American construction industry. They are also calling for better working conditions on the construction site. A massive walkabout protest has been planned by the protesting Atlantic LNG workers through the streets of Point Fortin this morning. Workers are also planning future protests in front of the office of the Prime Minister at White Hall in Port-of-Spain.