Solidarity fund launched for Grenada Brewery workers

The Grenada Trades Union Council has declared Friday as Solidarity Day to whip up public support for brewery workers who have not been able to resume duties since December 13.

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Wednesday January 25, 2012 - The Grenada Trades Union Council (GTUC) on Tuesday launched a public appeal for financial support for employees at the Grenada Breweries Ltd (GBL) who have not been paid since they were “locked out” of the company December 13.
 
GTUC President Madonna Harford told a media conference Tuesday a solidarity fund has been established, and other fundraisers would be staged to assist those affected.
                                 
“Some persons have mortgages, some have children to go to school, and transportation cost is a must,” she explained.
 
“If we fail to show to show solidarity, we will be fragmented,” Harford stated, while announcing that Friday has been declared Solidarity Day.

The brewery management and representatives of the Technical and Allied Workers Union (TAWU) are due to resume negotiations on Thursday.
 
About 120 employees have been affected by the “lock out” that occurred after they called off industrial action over pay increases.
 
“We certainly want to see an end to that impasse,” GTUC Public Relations Officer Ray Roberts noted. “It is not the kind of thing we want to see go on beyond the end of this month.”

He said further, “Each struggle, there is a price to pay and maybe this is the price we have to pay. At the end of it, it demonstrates the strength of workers.” Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)