Big business not scared of OSHA

Last month, National Trade Union Centre (Natuc) general secretary Vincent Cabrera charged that a clique of big business entities in TT was blocking Government from proclaiming OSHA into law.

However, speaking with reporters during a break at yesterday’s National Consultation on Cooperatives at the Chaguaramas Convention Centre, Montano said there was no truth to those allegations. "I can’t say that. I have had support from big business. I have not had anybody say they are threatened by it. I have written to some of the larger businesses and said what are your thoughts on it and I am waiting to hear from them," the minister stated.

OSHA was approved by both Houses of Parliament in 2004 and is currently awaiting the President’s seal of approval.

While Montano could not give an exact time as to when OSHA (either in totality or in sections) would be proclaimed, he said he is actively working on it and has clearly articulated the steps which need to be done. "What I am doing with OSHA is that I am working through the Act, clause by clause, section by section, with the experts in the ministry. I have also sent out letters to a number of organisations and individuals asking for their comments on it.

"I would like to take this opportunity to make any changes that anybody feels are necessary before we make any attempt at proclamation," the minister explained. He added that he hopes to complete this part of his work on OSHA by the end of September.