Union hits Hinds’ none response

Benacia said the union is yet to meet with Minister Fitzgerald Hinds to discuss outstanding matters

“I am not holding my breath on meeting with the minister and I consider his behaviour as totally disrespectful. If he chooses to meet with us, he knows how to get in touch with us.” Benacia continued, “We have outstanding matters to discuss and in the meantime, we are meeting with SWMCOL management to see what we can do. We expect working conditions to improve soon for workers.” Benacia said the union wrote to Minister Hinds when he was moved from the Works and Transport Ministry to Public Utilities in a Cabinet reshuffle last October

To date, the union head claimed, Hinds is yet to respond. He said that during a protest in April, they called on Minister Hinds to meet and treat with issues affecting workers

“The company is supposed to start upgrading conditions at the facility so hopefully within the next month or two we will see some improvements

We are still to hear on whether the company has received money to start the work or not. I know tenders went out last month

I have to meet with the CEO hopefully this week or next week, to get an update,” Benacia said

In an unrelated issues, David Forbes, general secretary of the Postal Workers Union said the union has requested a meeting with the management of TTPOST on May 16, to discuss outstanding health, safety and environment issues

“We have officially written to them and listed 12 items inclusive of health and safety and environment issues to discuss. Although we have one off issues that we are dealing with on a one day basis, it is work as usual until we come to an agreement,” Forbes said