OWTU: Petrotrin workers not on strike

Mc Leod said rumours of protests and sick-outs were being used to provide a cloud of secrecy for critical repairs to be done to the company’s Pointe-a-Pierre refinery’s catcracker.

The union man spoke during a media conference at the OWTU’s Paramount Building, Circular Road, San Fernando.

Mc Leod said a contracted labourer recently had three fingers crushed while he was cleaning a compressor. He said Petrotrin has contracted workers to perform duties for which they have no experience.

Mc Leod also said employees have not been able to take annual vacation and were fatigued and stressed out.

Accusing Petrotin of not holding its employees in high regard, McLeod said: “Petrotrin is rife with problems even as it has made considerable progress over the past three years, thanks to the committed and loyal workers.”

Mc Leod said the proposed 32 percent wage increase was influenced by the company’s performance and the workers’ contribution to the success of the company.

Mc Leod said Petrotrin can afford a 67 percent wage increase, but the OWTU had requested only 32 percent. He added the two percent lump sum the union was seeking is a one-time payment where workers would be given two percent of their annual salary.

A Petrotrin official told Newsday the negotiations have been referred to the Ministry of Labour.