Petrotrin, OWTU agree to talks

The agreement was reached at case management hearings at the Industrial Court as both parties prepare for open court on their unresolved 2014-2017 industrial dispute. The session lasted about one and a half hours, according to Ozzi Warwick, the OWTU’s Chief Education and Research Officer.

However, Newsday reported that President General of the OWTU Ancel Roget said there is still “an opportunity for conciliation and conclusion of negotiations meaning it’s not over until it’s over should the company present an improved position.” And Petrotrin said in a statement that both parties will continue meetings at the Industrial Court.

“While parties are still in discussion, Petrotrin reiterates its commitment to participating fully in this process and to engaging with employees and their representatives.

We continue to strive for a solution that is in the best interest of all employees and that ensures the viability, survivability and sustainability of Petrotrin,” the company’s statement said.

Roget had described as “premature” an alleged internal memo issued by Petrotrin to its employees that negotiations between both parties had broken down, saying case management discussions were scheduled for the Industrial Court yesterday. And Roget told Newsday that the Industrial Court judge, at the last conciliation session last week, had indicated that case management discussions would take place in preparation for open court.