OAS workers want outstanding wages

Speaking to reporters yesterday morning before meeting with NIDCO officials at Melbourne Street, Port-of-Spain, Roget said although they are happy to hear about the completion of the Solomon Hochoy Highway extension to Point Fortin, more than 1,000 local workers have contributed their energy and efforts, over a significant period of time and are still owed wages to date.

“Not too long ago we have heard the Minister of Works and Transport making a profound and significant statement concerning the recent development of the highway. We want to say from the OWTU standpoint that we commend that approach and the highway should have been completed a long time ago.” Roget explained that everyone is calling for their outstanding payments but no one was seeking the interest of the workers.

“This morning we are going to put on the table the outstanding wages owed to the workers, payment severance, outstanding benefits and bonuses, and these workers must be paid immediately.” Roget was met by Helen Rivers, NIDCO’s Executive Assistant to the Legal Department who escorted him to the meeting room.

Noel Phillip, a former OAS contractor said they have been waiting for two years for money owed to them. “We have been waiting two years now for money to be paid to us. Our outstanding wages are from $30,000 upwards. I am here this morning to support the union to fight for our money.”