Communication needed to solve industrial disputes

Calling for increased communication among all parties, incoming president of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturer’s Association (TTMA), Anthony Aboud, yesterday expressed his belief that the solution to the industrial impasse in Point Fortin lay in constant dialogue to reach a satisfactory compromise. Aboud was elected TTMA president yesterday at the Hilton Hotel at the Association’s 48th annual general meeting, replacing outgoing president, Anthony Hosang, who served the association in that post for the last 12 months. Stating that he was not in a position to determine whether an increase in the sectoral minimum wage to $28 would result in inflation, Aboud noted however, that this had historically been the case in a number of countries around the world.

“We need,” he said, “to look at improving our efficiencies and productivity because at the end of the day, it is those basic fundamentals that drive business forward and make it grow.” “Giving a person an additional dollar may in fact, not in isolation, represent a mammoth increase,” he continued noting, “it is not the additional dollar, but rather the ability to be able to use that dollar to have a better way of life and I think that is what we want to approach.” Questioned about whether Government had adequately explored all avenues of reducing the cost of living, Aboud once again stressed the need for consultation and dialogue.

He said, “we in TT have a tendency to think in isolation and not see the whole picture. Unfortunately there are many factors which have caused increased prices and we need to strengthen certain areas of the country.” He admitted that one area of continuous rising cost was shipping and transportation. Since the recent increase in the price of gas, manufacturers have been paying as much as $1,200 per container. Additionally, the cost of inland freight had seen an increase, while the price of haulage was expected to go up by as much as 50 percent for 20 and 40 foot containers. However, Aboud said, the local manufacturing sector was doing its best to absorb these increased costs, rather than allowing them to filter out to the public.

“Only when a direct import is significantly increase, do you find that there is a tendency to increase prices,” he stated, “but even so we are still extremely competitively priced when compared to our Caricom neighbours.” In his new position as TTMA President, Aboud pledged to continue to represent the local manufacturing sector, as well as the entire business community.