Trucking jobs for locals in Canada

In her contribution to the 2016/2017 Budget debate in the Senate, Baptiste-Primus told senators that her ministry has been exploring “overseas employment opportunities for retrenched workers and those who are unemployed.” Against this background, she said, “I am pleased to report today, that this ministry, we are partnering with Hire Pro Drivers of Canada, a Canadian-based recruitment agency.” Checks by Newsday indicated that this agency, established in collaboration with Mountain Transport Institute Ltd, “provides a comprehensive ‘turnkey’ solution to carriers seeking professional experienced class one drivers, mechanics, welders and other trade-related skilled professionals.” Hire Pro said commercial driving is a highly skilled profession and its clients include “some of the best and largest carriers in North America.” Baptiste-Primus said Hire Pro will be sending a team to TT in December and “they have indicated to us that they have identified 35,000 vacancies in Canada for long-haul drivers and they have welcomed the opportunity to partner with us.” Government senators thumped their desks as Baptiste-Primus explained that TT nationals can fill these vacancies and there is a very strong possibility that there is an opportunity for these workers to migrate permanently to Canada.

She said she was looking forward to meeting with the Hire Pro Drivers’ team and cementing a long-term relationship with them.

Dismissing claims from Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar that the ruling People’s National Movement did nothing to protect workers’ jobs, Baptiste- Primus reminded senators that the former People’s Partnership (PP) government brought an Industrial Relations Amendment Bill to Parliament which both employers and trade unions opposed.

She recalled that as a result of those objections, that legislation was withdrawn by the PP.

She highlighted efforts by her ministry to avert a shutdown of operations at State oil company Petrotrin last week. After a lengthy meeting between herself, the Petrotrin president, the Oilfield Workers Trade Union and other officials, Baptiste-Primus said the parties returned to the negotiating table. However, she added that “regrettably” this matter appears destined for the Industrial Court.

On the issue of contract labour, Baptiste-Primus said, “There is a view that contract labour is now a parallel Public Service.”