TCL impasse hurting country and construction sector

TCL workers and the OWTU have been at logger heads since talks broke down on February 27.

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Tuesday vApril 3, 2012 – Take it to court! That’s the stance the Employers’ Consultative Association (ECA) is taking with respect to the ongoing strike action at the Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL).

In a release issued, the ECA made it clear that the strike action brought on by the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union against TCL was having a negative impact on key stakeholders across the nation as it was crippling the operations of many companies in the building and construction sector.

Labour Minister, Mr. Errol McLeod intervened in the strike but declined to apply to the Industrial Court for an ex parte injunction, but the ECA is of the opinion that it needs to be referred to the Court to reach a resolve.

However, the release noted that the modernisation of the legal framework of the industrial relations system was even more urgent if it was to become relevant to the changes of work life and modern human resource management practices.

TCL workers and the OWTU have been at logger heads since talks broke down on February 27. There were also reported attacks on TCL workers who returned to work after accepting offers from the company.  Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)