Casual workers asked to do lifeguard duties

CASUAL WORKERS are expected to perform -lifeguard duties at the nation’s beaches this  weekend, as part of the Ministry of Tourism’s contingency plan to deal with protest action by permanent  lifeguards. Lifeguards in both Trinidad and Tobago are expected to stay away from the beaches, opting to protest today at the Cruise Ship Complex for an increase in salaries. Their protest this morning is timed to coincide with the arrival of the cruise ship Braemer which will bring 820 passengers to the Port of Port-of-Spain. Another ship, the Ocean Village, carrying 1,800 passengers is expected  tomorrow.

Lifeguards currently receive $171 daily. They are asking for $260 daily and to be classified as a separate group of workers, rather than be lumped in grade five with skilled workers. A release from the Tourism Ministry yesterday said as an interim measure to deal with any possible strike this weekend, “the Ministry has written to all individuals who have performed lifeguard duties over time, and who are categorised as ‘casual workers,’ to report for duty from November 27 during the hours of 8 am to 6 pm.” Additionally, the ministry said lifeguard supervisors will also patrol the beaches that are most likely to be affected by any protest.

The letter to the casual workers dated November 25, informed them that double time will be paid from 8 am to 4 pm and triple time from 4 pm to 6 pm. The rates according to the ministry will be applicable today and tomorrow. The letter further reminded that “your commitment to the goals of the organisation will form part of the criteria when permanent appointments of lifeguards are being considered.” The ministry also urged members of the public visiting the beaches to “practise good water safety,” which includes swimming in groups, supervising children closely, not drinking alcohol and going to swim, waiting at least one hour after eating before entering the water, not to push others under water and to observe weather conditions carefully and pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts.”

The ministry further stated that the lifeguards’ wage demands had implications, as the highest salary in their grouping is now $234 and the lifeguards will “have to move out of the present agreed-upon bargaining structure and possibly form a new workers’ association.” It said the transition period, if undertaken would be lengthy. A spokesperson for the lifeguards told Newsday yesterday, there were no guarantees that the 50 casual workers will report for lifeguard duties. He said as far as he knew they had rejected the ministry’s request. He said it was also impractical for the four supervisors to patrol the Mayaro, Manzanilla, Las Cuevas and Maracas beaches effectively. The lifeguards are again appealing to members of the public to stay away from the beaches and lend support to them in their protest.