Protests hurt PoS Port operations

SWWTU third vice-president Andre Cruickshank said the protest was a measure taken by the union to highlight the workers’ frustration with several problems at the Port.

Cruicshank said that in 2005, workers brought to the union’s attention several issues such as the dilapidated condition of changing rooms and non payment of VSEP packages which were promised by Government over two years ago.

He said workers were also confused as to who were their “real” bosses, since it was supposedly said that PORTIA — a new shipping company hired by Government — was now running operations at the Port.

Cruickshank said a meeting was held at 10 am in the union’s hall.

However, the workers walked out after discovering that Port Authority management did not respond to renewed calls for a sit down, which was made by union president Michael Anisette.

When contacted, several officials at the Port Authority refused to answer any question on the issue.

President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) Paul Quesnel said the protest action would have a negative runoff effect on TTMA members since the Port was at the centre of major shipping and clearance of items brought to be used by businessmen.