Protesting ALNG workers form human barricade

TEMPERS flared between protesting Atlantic LNG workers and workers from a contracting firm yesterday, with LNG workers forming a human barricade in front of the main gates of Atlantic LNG Train IV plant in Point Fortin to block the removal of two heavy duty vehicles by workers from the contracting firm. Shortly after 9 am, under the watchful eyes of the police, workers of  a contracting firm at the plant went to the ALNG compound to remove two vehicles parked there. This drew an angry response from protesting ALNG workers who formed themselves into a human barricade to prevent the vehicles from leaving the plant.

Spokesman for the protesting workers, Garnet Thompson, told Newsday that yesterday’s incident was meant to protect the workers against claims of sabotage to company equipment. “We do not want to be blamed for the sabotage of any equipment and based on this, if anyone has to come to the ALNG compound to remove any equipment, they must notify us, following which, one of our representatives would then accompany them in the removal or placing of any such equipment onto the ALNG compound,” Thompson said. “We do not want any bad blame whatsoever for the damaging of any equipment, whether be it sabotage or otherwise, thus the reason for the necessary actions implemented and carried out.” ALNG workers have been protesting daily for the past three weeks for better working conditions. Their protests drew the attention of Labour Minister and Pt Fortin MP Larry Achong, who said he supported the workers’ cry for better working conditions.