PSA grumblings continue at EWMSC

At a media briefing at PSA head-office in Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, first vice-president Stephen Thomas accused Rahael of “discrimination” saying the minister was quick to meet with doctors of an unrecognised union with no legal status but was playing games with other categories of workers, seriously aggrieved by things that affect them directly.

The PSA had hoped to meet with Rahael at the Health Ministry at 1 pm yesterday and Thomas and others went to the Ministry at 12.45 pm.

However, they were informed by the Minister’s secretary that he was unavailable having gone to San Fernando for the ceremonial opening of a health facility.

Rahael met with workers on June 14, and agreed to meet with the PSA yesterday to discuss work conditions and other problems.

During the June 14 meeting, Rahael called on the workers to stop their protest action.

Thomas said the union was not surprised by the Minister’s behaviour (in not meeting with them yesterday).

He referred to the Minister’s comments after leaving Cabinet when he said the two union representatives who were dismissed, lost their jobs because they went to work late, but left early.

“The Minister should not assume he has all the facts. The Minister should properly take the time and find out what the facts are.”

He said Rahael was also “irresponsible” in denying that dogs were having CT scans at the EWMSC.

Thomas said the genesis of the current dispute arose because the PSA workers spoke openly about that incident.

The PSA shared with the media a release sent out by the NCRHA confirming that dogs were scanned at the Radiology Depart-ment. Thomas said: “this is the level of dishonesty we are faced with.”

Responding to Rahael’s statement carried in last Saturday’s Newsday that he would not meet with the workers since they continued to protest, Thomas said workers did not give a commitment to stop protesting, “due to the fact the issues over which they were protesting were not even partially addressed.”

He maintained that the dismissal of Lyndon Cowan and Dane Durham via letter on April 25, was illegal.

He charged that the NCRHA made the PSA representatives “victims” so as to intimidate other workers. Thomas said: “there continues to be lack of accountability for medical stores and areas in the kitchen.

“There continues to be roaches and rat infestations. The roaches are running amok all over the place.”

Thomas said the protest will be “stepped up” although he declined to say what form it would take. He said legal options were also being explored.