T&T port workers end industrial action | Caribbean

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT) says it is “working diligently” to clear the backlog of vessels and containers at the Port of Port of Spain “as quickly as possible” following industrial action by workers.

In a brief statement, the PATT said that “all operational services at the Port of Port of  Spain have returned to normal workforce levels”.

But it gave no indication as to whether the cause of the dispute had been resolved.

Last week, port workers walked off the job in protest over a range of issues, including health and safety concerns and stalled wage negotiations. Earlier this year, the estimated 1,000 workers walked off the job, giving port management seven days to address health and safety issues and agree to a 12 per cent wage increase

The Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU) has made no pubic statement on the PATT’s release.

The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) has warned consumers to be prepared for at least a one-month delay in retrieving goods after indicating that the disruptions have left manufacturers, exporters and traders frustrated over the expected two-to-three-week delays because of workers engaging in “sick-out” action.

It warned that if the situation is not addressed, it will lead to increased prices going into the Christmas and Carnival seasons.

“TTMA is asking for intervention by the relevant authorities, including senior port managers and the Government, to intervene and have the matter resolved in a timely manner, as well as consider the waiving of port rent and demurrage incurred by affected businesses,” it added.

Vice President of the  Association of Trinidad and Tobago Hauliers Apollo Arjoon said while the reopening was a relief for consumers, he foresees challenges ahead.

“I would advise people to start bulk buying because what happened during the United States strike will trickle down into the Caribbean,” he added.

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