TCL workers demand back pay

Led by Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU) TCL branch president Ahmad Mohammed, workers began assembling at the entrance of the company’s Claxton Bay compound from as early as 6am. To the strains of union staples such as “We shall overcome” and “When workers hold the reins of power,” workers waved blue and red OWTU flags and placards. Several of the placards read, “We want our shares money now”; “TCL/OWTU settle negotiations now” and “The rabbit want to eat my carrots-pension, medical entitlements.” Mohammed told reporters workers had “endured tremendous suffering” to ensure the sustainability and survival of the company. He said workers are being paid at 2011 rates. “So monies we would have already worked for are still owed to us and we are owed back pay. Now that our company is taken over by CEMEX, we see no sense of urgency in repaying this debt owed to workers,” he said.

Mohammed added that workers remain “committed” to working with the company to ensure its profitability.

He said union officials were scheduled to meet with company representatives at the Trinidad Hilton at 1.30 pm today to discuss the non-payment of the shares as well as the company offering a Voluntary Separation of Employment Programme (VSE P) without consulting the union.

“We are still engaged in talks with the management of the company with respect to VSE P packages that have been proposed for workers. Details of these have not been advanced to the union but the company has gone ahead and put forward those offers directly to workers. This is a breach of industrial relations practice because they are attempting to negotiate directly with workers and not their recognised majority union.” Mohammed said over 400 permanent and 200 casual workers at TCL, Trinidad Packaging Limited and Trinidad Ponsa Manufacturing Limited are affected by the non-payment of the back pay.

Asked whether the company’s operations were affected, Mohammed said, “No, operations will be continuing as normal for now.” And as if to underline his statement, workers dispersed shortly after the news conference to pick up the 7am to 3pm work shift.

Asked how long the protest action may take place, Mohammed said this would depend on the outcome of today’s meeting.

Up to press time, TCL had not responded to the union’s allegations.