TSTT union denies playing for time

THE Communication Workers’ Union has denied reports that it is responsible for stalling negotiations with the TSTT for a new collective agreement on behalf of junior staff workers of the company. In a statement on Monday afternoon, CWU accused  TSTT of issuing the reports to the media. Lyle Townsend, secretary general of CWU said: “The union has been resolute and consistent in our positions, and has even agreed to some of the company’s positions, in our continued efforts to bring the current impasse to an end.” He claimed that by the company’s recent actions, it was evident that TSTT was not interested in resolving any negotiations through bilateral talks, “and is prepared to use trickery and contemptuous actions towards the union and its employees, and in the process, mislead the media and the public.”

Townsend promised that his union will continue to strive towards seeking a just and speedy resolution to the negotiations in an effort to bring TSTT’s operations back to a state of normalcy.” Townsend complained about the frustration the union was experiencing in relation to the negotiations, since November 14. He said on the afternoon of Friday, November 14, the union issued some new proposals to TSTT,  during bilateral talks in an effort to resolve the negotiations. “TSTT’s industrial relations manager indicated to us that he needed time to refer our proposals to his seniors. He never returned or contacted the union that afternoon as promised,” said Townsend. He also referred to another occasion, November 21, when the company failed to turn up for another arranged meeting. “Numerous attempts to contact TSTT’s representatives proved futile. Even the company’s hired conciliator, former Industrial Court judge Francis Corbie experienced problems in contacting the company’s team,” explained Townsend. He said so far, the union has received no word from the company. Company officials were unavailable for comment up to late yesterday afternoon.