ALNG interests hold cordial meeting

THE TUGBOAT operators issue, which impacted on the Atlantic LNG operations for more than two weeks, engaged the active attention of the Ministry of Labour yesterday. Representatives of the contracting firm, Plipweij and a delegation from the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union, which is seeking the interest of the workers, met for three hours at the Ministry under the chairmanship of Labour Minister Lawrence Achong. Another meeting is carded for Monday, March 15.

Although the Ministry presided over the meeting, a ministerial source explained, it was not held in accordance with provisions of the Industrial Relations Act (IRA), but as a means of fostering good industrial relations in the interest of all concerned. The Minister and his team met separately and jointly with the parties and took note of each side’s grievances. A wide range of matters was discussed. One item related to a category of workers — deck/hand cook. In this area, the workers are asking for a separate category for cooks. They also want an increase in overtime and are seeking equal pay for casual and regular workers. The question of increased wages was also discussed. A meeting source said the talks were cordial and all indications are that the problems can be solved at the level of the Ministry. The conciliatory meeting at the Ministry has resulted in the automatic withdrawal by the company of the application for an injunction to have the workers return to work.