SWWTU: Port dispute still unresolved

Senior Reporter

otto.carrington@cnc3.co.tt

There are now conflicting reports on whether operations at the Port of Port-of-Spain have fully resumed.

Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan says operations have returned to normal but Seamen and Waterfront Workers’ Trade Union president general Michael Annisette claims the situation remains unresolved.

Over the past week, industrial action has severely disrupted key operations, as protests by workers over wage negotiations and health and safety caused widespread delays. Go-slows and sick-outs have delayed operations, leading to concerns about price hikes and potential shortages as importers and exporters struggle to retrieve goods.

To clear the backlog of vessels and containers, the port enlisted the assistance of the T&T Defence Force to offload approximately 500 vehicles from the “Asian Trust” vessel earlier this week. This, however, drew strong criticism from the SWWTU, which described the move as a step toward dictatorship.

In a media statement yesterday, Port officials said there were normal operations at the container vessel, container terminal operations, west gate, the One Stop Barrel Shop, Shed 4 and Spectrum Operations. The inter-island seabridge was not affected by the disruptions.

Yesterday, Works and Transport Minister Sinanan reiterated: “Everything is back to normal—not just today, but since yesterday. That’s the information I have. As far as port operations, is a go, everything is up to date.”

However, Annisette maintained there was no resolution to issues raised by the workers.

“We need to understand the dynamics we are involved in and the port’s significance to the economy. We must avoid being overly enthusiastic and, at times, step back to reflect before moving forward.

“The involvement of the Defence Force in port operations during a legitimate impasse between parties is a concerning development. In my opinion, it hints at dictatorship—you don’t see that in democratic countries,” Annisette said.

He described the Port Authority’s decision to bring in the Defence Force as troubling “with potentially negative consequences.”

“I’m uncertain how we will navigate this as we move forward,” he said

He was also critical of the lack of communication from port management.

“We believe that when communication stops, problems arise. Social dialogue is critical, and building collaboration and partnership is essential for the port to reach its full potential,” he said.

“I cannot dictate to the management and the board—I don’t know who was involved in that decision—but life must go on, even beyond my involvement.”

Association of Haulers of T&T director Ryan Stevens also confirmed yesterday operations had resumed but were very slow.

“It was not 100 per cent, but we are working with it,” he said.

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