ISPAT workers protest for better pension plan

PROTEST action spread to the Point Lisas Industrial Estate on Tuesday as some 50 workers employed by Caribbean ISPAT Limited staged a peaceful placard demonstration at the Point Lisas roundabout, Rivulet Road, Couva.

The demonstration, involving the 11 am-7 pm shift, was led by the Steel Workers Union President Grafton Woodley and General Secretary Wayne Roberts. With both trade unionists noting that no aspect of the company’s operations had as yet been affected by the demonstration, Roberts said workers were “dissatisfied” with ISPAT’s refusal to discuss pension improvements with the union. “Every pension plan in this country had several pension improvements over the past few years, but not ISPAT’s pension plan fund,” Roberts said. “Our pension plan can more than afford the increased pension benefits as its surplus stands at $233.8 million dollars,” he added.

Roberts pointed out that, at present, retirees receive the “barest” minimum of $1,000 and the union is seeking an increase to $1,500. He said the demonstration was the first in a series of action by workers and that at tomorrow’s general council meeting, a decision would be taken on further measures to be implemented by workers. This could include “work-to-rule” action. Roberts also cited the Company’s “dismal” record on Health and Safety, saying the union also intended to raise this matter at its next meeting. “Expect serious clashes with ISPAT Limited over these and other outstanding issues,” Roberts concluded.

Speaking to Newsday yesterday, President of the Steel Workers Union of Trinidad and Tobago (SWUTT) Grafton Woodley said, “The pension plan is one of the many issues the workers are seeking to bring up with the management of ISPAT.” Woodley said the Union wrote to the International Metal Workers Association for assistance in the matter. “In protesting, we have not attempted to disrupt operations,” Woodley assured. He said the Union wanted the public to be aware of the conditions workers faced daily. Attempts to reach managemant at Ispat yesterday for comment were unsuccessful.