Dumas: No intention to retrench WASA workers

“We have totally assured the unions time and time again that there is no intention of retrenchment at WASA, I don’t know where that rumour comes from.”

This assurance was extended to approximately 400 Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) workers by Public Utilities and Environment Minister Rennie Dumas, yesterday. Dumas was speaking with reporters following his address at the finals of the Environmental Management Authority’s Fourth Annual Secondary Schools’ Public Speaking Competition, at the TT Bureau of Standards Building, Macoya. Stating that they had met with the union numerous times since assuming office,  Dumas said:  “We have assured the union, the Prime Minister has assured the union, the minister of Labour has assured the union that there is no intention for retrenchment.” However, “provisions have been made to cover the recurrent costs of WASA over the rest of the year,” he added.

Reiterating that there was no threats to the jobs of workers, Dumas reminded reporters that the union had recently been lobbying for an increase in the workforce as there were more operational activities occurring at WASA. Dumas said he remained baffled as to how they kept switching from the issue of increasing the workforce to one which involved downsizing the workforce. Addressing the small gathering at the competition, Dumas urged the youths present to share their knowledge gained as this was a decision-making point in their life. Participants in the final round  yesterday included ASJA Girls’ College; Bishop Anstey High School; Holy Faith Convent, Couva; Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu College; Naparima College; Naparima Girls’ High School; St Francois Girls’ College; St Joseph’s Convent, St Joseph; and St Stephen’s College. Greetings were also extended by Janice Blackman, Director of Schools’ Supervision on behalf of the Education Ministry, and Dr Dave McIntosh, Managing Director /CEO of EMA.