Hauliers on strike at city port

Hundreds of containers and cars remained at the Container Examination Station (CES) at the Port-of-Spain Port after protest action brought activities to a halt two days ago.

The TTHA members are refusing to deliver the cargo to the CES station until they are paid for services provided from January, 2005. The hauliers claim they are willing to forego all other payments after they have been receiving the same salary since 1999.

The Port Authority general manager Narine Singh, two commissioners Sais Tiwarie and Voisin Thom and president of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association, Paul Quesnel, along with other stakeholders including shipping associations, met with the president of the TTHA, Keith Lutchmansingh, secretary Curtis Seepersad and other executive members.

The disgruntled hauliers left the Port Authority at Dock Road and met with other members at the shipping yard at the West Gate, Anna Street Extension.

Secretary of the TTHA Curtis Seepersad told Newsday that they were disappointed that chairman of the Port Authority Noel Garcia was noticeably absent from such an important meeting.

"They were given a mandate by the minister to meet with us and discuss such an important matter," he stated.

Seepersad said the TTHA was asking for $400 for the first day and $250 if a trailer remains at the CES station.