TTUTA head: Avoid the mudslinging

“People must know the truth and assess candidates’ suitability for leadership posts in the union.” Sinanan’s appeal came in response to allegations made by a candidate that the union had agreed to a wage freeze for the period 2014- 2017. “I understand that people have been spreading misinformation by telling people that we have agreed to a wage freeze. But we have not even started negotiations as yet,” he told Newsday. The union yesterday issued a media release condemning the action.

“It has been brought to the attention of the association that there may be misinformation regarding the 2014- 2017 salary negotiations emerging on the campaign trail as we approach the October 20, 2016, election of national officers,” Sinanan said in the release.

He said following the signing of the agreement between TTUTA and the CPO for December 2011-2014, proposals for the period 2014 to 2017 were developed and submitted to the CPO in February/March last. “To date, the CPO has not yet responded to those proposals,” he said. Sinanan said that in July, at a meeting with the CPO, the issue was discussed and the CPO had indicated that a formal response would be given in September in the hope that the negotiations could begin before the end of the financial year.

“To date, such response has not been received,” he said. “It must be emphasised that no discussions or negotiations have taken place between TTUTA sand the CPO for the period 2014 to 2017. Further, if and when there is to be any agreement between the CPO and TTUTA, such agreement must be sanctioned by the general council.” Sinanan said it was “irresponsible and mischievous” for any candidate contesting the election to say that the TTUTA leadership has agreed to a wage freeze for the period 2014 to 2017, “and worse yet is keeping such agreement a secret from the membership.”