Minister putting fear in workers

Agriculture Minister, John Rahael’s decision to announce retrenchment plans for 9,000 daily paid Caroni workers on the same day the  Industrial Court ruled that Caroni did not  negotiate the VSEP plan in good faith with the All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers Trade Union (ATSGWTU) was deliberate and intended to  “dampen the mood of workers.” This was the view expressed by President General of the ATSGWTU Rudranath Indarsingh. Speaking to Sunday Newsday yesterday he said, “It (the announcement) was deliberate on the part of the Minister to put fear and scare into the workers. Apparently the Minister’s pronouncements has dampened the order of the Court.” Indarsingh also accused the Minister of acting high handedly and added, “No Minister of  government must be allowed to  get away with this kind of behaviour.” Indarsingh made the point that the Industrial Court is an arm of the Judiciary hence for government to act  against it’s  ruling would mean that they are acting  “above the law.” However he maintained, “ I would abide by the laws of the land” and the union would do all it can. 

On Friday the Minister maintained that this eventual move was “very unfortunate” since not all workers would benefit. Indarsingh yesterday  suggested  that Caroni return to the ‘drawing board.’ The Industrial court ruled that Caroni breached Section 40 (1) of the Industrial Relations Act by not negotiating the Voluntary Separation of Employment Package with ATSGWTU.     On Friday he said that the ruling by the court was a “landmark decision.” He also said the outcome reinforced the position of a  trade union caring for it’s members. Yesterday he said, “It is the first time in history  a full quorum of judges  sat on an issue like this.” Indarsingh said that he dispatched a letter to Caroni on Friday afternoon in the aftermath of the court judgement expressing his willingness to meet and speak with them. The ruling by the Industrial Court on Friday ordered that both parties meet within five days. The advancements made would be reported to the court on July 10.