Security guards under financial duress
THE EDITOR: This letter is in support of all the poor workers in Trinidad and Tobago who are not being paid their rightful wages. Many of them are struggling to support their families. Citizens for a Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) and other caring groups in society may not have to distribute hampers to these workers if they are paid the wages they deserve. These employees and their families complain regularly to CBTT with the hope that we may be able to influence the authorities to help them. I pointed out at the preparatory meeting of key stakeholders on victims’ rights and welfare at the Crowne Plaza last Saturday that security guards at a prestige school were paid $70 for a 12-hour shift. There have been threats by the authorities to deal harshly with employers who refuse to pay their employees the minimum wage. However, there is evidence that the threats are just talk with no action. Over the past two years, I have reported the matter involving the security guards to the Labour Inspectorate and the previous Labour Minister but they have so far failed to act on behalf of these affected workers. I wonder what Prime Minister Patrick Manning has to say on this matter with the security guards. The outcome of this case is important because there are many other workers in the country with the same problem. Since the Labour Ministry cannot help, then the Prime Minister should intervene to ensure that these employees receive what is rightfully theirs. I am also pleading with Mr Manning to ensure that the security guards are paid retroactively. When people are unable to support their families properly because they are paid under the minimum wage, then they are likely to become enraged and angry with their employer as well as all those in authority who fail to act on their behalf. HARRACK BALRAMSINGH La Romaine
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"Security guards under financial duress"