WASA workers sore from bashings

THE EDITOR: The recent focus on WASA in the media and Parliament, which has culminated in the past Minister of Public Utilities calling for the CEO Mr E Grimes to be suspended is seen by the workers
* as a conspiracy to use sensational allegations to ostracise the organisation publicly
* to put shackles on the feet of Management and employed workers, and
* make the Authority impotent and hindering its ability to be transformed into a regional centre of excellence in the waste and waste water sector.

WASA and its workers have always been used as a political football by politicians and UNC behaviour is in keeping with tradition. The WASA workers are disturbed that the Government is allowing the corrupt opposition to look as though they are genuinely concerned. The question before us is, do they have the moral authority to discuss the well being of WASA? It is a well-noted fact that following the UNC administration’s reign in office the Authority has been left in serious financial problems through the ill-fated Desalination investment and the South Water Project. Ganga Singh, Wade Mark and the UNC bunch are using these allegations as diversionary tactics; hoping the public will not focus on the Desalination scandal.

These immoral attacks are having a negative effect on present negotiations with management where discussion on improved benefits such as Employee Home Ownership Plan already agreed upon, are being questioned because of the Minister of Public Utilities and Environment defensive stance. The workers are also weary of the cuts in salary levelled at the top management. Cuts at the top could also signal cuts at the lower end and we wish to give warning that we will defend the wages we have gained with every muscle in our body. The workers view any attack on management as an attack on all employees. We are asking that Parliament be used for the purpose in which it was intended and not for WASA-bashing.

ANDY  AGGREY  BROWN
A Dedicated Worker
Mount Lambert