PM meets NATUC on tripartite approach in industrial relations

Prime Minister Patrick Manning met with representatives of the National Trade Union Movement yesterday. At the meeting which lasted over one hour, the Prime Minister discussed key issues related to a Social Compact, which was signed by some trade unions, the business community and the Government in 2001 and which is currently being evaluated by the Movement. The Social Compact is a declaration that defines how the Government, business sector and the trade union movement would work together, in a tripartite approach, for the fair representation and advancement of the interests of all stakeholders in the industrial relations process.

It was agreed that the unions represented at the meeting would examine the proposed Social Compact and submit views to the Government on how it should be amended and implemented. Other issues which were discussed at the meeting were the process for the recognition of trade unions, with a view to implementing a speedier process, as well as a more advanced legislative and legal framework for the conduct of industrial relations in the country. It was also agreed that the unions would submit a proposal, which would outline an approach to poverty alleviation. Said Prime Minister Manning: “This Government agrees that a tripartite approach is critical to ensuring that the business sector, Government and labour movement work in partnership for the advancement of the national interest.

We must now determine the institutional framework that can be put in place, as soon as possible, to formalise the tripartite approach so that we may proceed with the country’s development within a different framework.” In attendance at the meeting were Robert Guiseppi (NATUC); Trevor Oliver and Peter Wilson (TTUTA), Jennifer Baptiste-Primus and Stephen Thomas (PSA), Aldwyn Brewster and Darren Samuel (TIWU), Rudranath Indarsingh and Sylvester Marajh (ATS&GWTU) and Vincent Cabrera (BGWU). Sandra Marchak, Permanent Secretary designate in the Office of the Prime Minister also attended the meeting.