We’ve never mistreated employees

In a release issued yesterday Dhanraj Mahabir, Country Manager of PriceSmart said, “PriceSmart is well aware that our company is dependent on the commitment and good service provided by valued employees in order to have satisfied members.

Our employees are the key to the success of our business. We are, and always have been committed to keeping the best employees by paying the best wages, providing the best benefits, and striving for the best employer/ employee relations in the industry.” Mahabir made the remarks following protest action on Tuesday at the Movietowne outlet by members of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) — the recognised union of PriceSmart Inc local employees — who were demanding that the business provide better working conditions for its employees, and treat them with respect.

Mahabir said that PriceSmart has always been opened to discussing with the OWTU the employees concerns. PriceSmart, he said, had never been invited to discuss most of the issues that OWTU President General Ancel Roget, raised during the protest.

“We will seek to do so, as soon as possible. We will do this not only to address any issues the OWTU raised during their protest, but also to accelerate Collective Agreement negotiations for 2015-2018, so that all our employees can receive the annual raises we have been seeking to give them, just like all other PriceSmart employees receive globally, but which we are unable to give, without the Union’s authorisation,” he said.

Since PriceSmart opened its doors in TT in 2000, Mahabir said that it was committed to providing high-quality job opportunities for some 900 employees.

All the senior managers were locals who were promoted from within. The release said that many managers started with the company at entry level jobs.

The company also offers “starting salaries well above minimum wage, competitive medical plans, pensions, Christmas bonuses and gifts”. They benefit from departmental recognition programmes, social events such as the award dinner and holiday party, sports and family day, and employees appreciation days and bar-bques, the release said.