Carib workers return to work in fine style

CARIB workers, who were locked out by their employers for more than 57 days, returned to their jobs yesterday morning in style. The spectacular back-to-work trek saw workers marching into their workplace chanting the traditional union song: “Hold the fort, for we are coming Union makes us strong...” An employee who was not locked out said, “It was like chickens coming home to roost,” as the workers got cracking dutifully, and in a businesslike manner. President of the Carib Workers’ Section of the National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW), Carl St Rose, went into a hurriedly-arranged meeting with Carib officials, including chief executive officer, Andrew Sabga. A union source said once they had sorted out things, Sabga and St Rose walked around the plant chatting as if nothing had happened.

St Rose later told Newsday, “It was a very cordial meeting. We sought to ensure that the usual employer-employee relations are back. “On behalf of the employees, I told the CEO that everything possible will be done to see that Carib gets back on its rightful track.” St Rose said in addition to the fortnight’s pay (loan) the workers have been promised, each of them will receive $300 for travelling purposes — that is until next week. Carib’s marketing manager, Colin Murray said, “We are happy to receive the workers and that there was happiness all around.” He said he received a lot of calls from friends and Carib lovers saying how they too were happy that very soon, their favourite lager beer would be on grocery shelves again.
He also said that Carib CEO Andrew Sabga welcomed and addressed the workers on their return. “What happened is now history,” Murray added.