Drivers have no contingency plans to deal with strike

The drivers expressed mixed views on the issue but many were in agreement that they intend to “go with the flow”.

“They (workers) are bluffing.

They are testing (Prime Minister Dr Keith) Rowley. I feel we will get fuel although the supply may not be consistent as it is now. If the workers shut down, then we will have to shut down too. We are going with the flow,” said a taxi driver yesterday while at High Street, San Fernando.

The Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) served the Stateowned oil company Petrotrin with legal strike notice yesterday. The decision came after both parties - the union and company - failed to reach an amicable resolution following four rounds of conciliatory meetings. The strike, which is scheduled to begin on Monday at 10 am, is expected to last three months.

Another taxi driver, Kevin Gayadeen, who plies the San Fernando to Chaguanas route, referred to the impasse as a “game” in which citizens are the ones affected.

“It is a game that the Government and Petrotrin are playing and the citizens are the ones who will really feel the effects. We as the small men will be affected the most. We are monitoring it. I am not worried and we are working with what we have at this time,” Gayadeen said.

He added that he as well as other colleagues do not have any contingency plans in place.

“We cannot even stock up because there are rules to do that.

It is a hazard to store fuel at the house so we will see how it goes,” Gayadeen said.

At the maxi-taxi stand at St James Street in San Fernando many drivers admitted that they too have no contingency plans.

Driver Errol ‘Madman’ Nandlal told Newsday: “ We have no backup plans. If they shut down then we have to shut down too because we would not have fuel to drive our vehicles. At the end of the day, we have to make a living so something has to happen.” Another driver, Allan Bhajan, expressed similar sentiments.