Union and ministry in talks on future of city port

TALKS got going in earnest last week between the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Seamen’s union (SWWTU) on the future of what is traditionally regarded as the premier port in Trinidad and Tobago — the Port of Port-of-Spain. It was explained that the talks were cordial and far-reaching with the union expressing concerns on several issues. The ministry’s team was headed by the Minister and included, Gerry Hospedales of the Divestment Secretariat. Michael Annisette, the president, headed the union’s team.

Just over a week ago, Minister Khan announced in Parliament that a national port’s council and six business units would be established under a restructured plan for the port. He said then a voluntary separation package would be offered to the 1,900 workers of the port. The union indicated that severance payment would not be a solution for the displacement of workers. “If there is no meaningful alternative employment, there could be dire social and economic implications, including the break-up of family units,” the union said. It asserted too that displacement must be minimised.

The union also made it clear that there would be no discussions on any voluntary package, unless there is prior agreement on the unresolved matters in the collective agreement with the Port Authority, for the period 2003 to 2005. The minister outlined plans to outsource certain aspects of the port’s work, while the union demanded the right to supply the labour for any jobs that would be outsourced. “Any plans to arbitrarily outsource any jobs or functions that are normally and traditionally performed by port workers, would be met with the strongest resistance from SWWTU and dock workers,” the union said. 

The union’s team also took the opportunity to voice its deep concern about the congested state of the port of Port-of-Spain. It also noted the Government’s continued delay in granting to the port, the additional land which it insisted, was necessary, if the question of operational efficiency and labour productivity is to be meaningfully addressed. In another area, the SWWTU insisted on transparency and accountability in the planned purchase of a high speed (fast ferry) vessel for the Trinidad-Tobago run. The union asked that the tendering period be extended, in order to explore all viable options in the interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Both parties are to meet again on a planned date to continue discussions.