Renewed calls for TCL strike to end

Construction sites across Trinidad reportedly shut down due to the cement shortage.

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Monday March 5, 2012 – As Trinidad Cement Limited workers continue their strike action, there are now renewed calls for their union to return to the bargaining table.

This time the call has come from the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce as they urge the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union to return to the bargaining table as the strike that started last Tuesday continues into another week.

In a statement the Chamber made it clear that it did not support any threatened or real shut down of any commercial activity in Trinidad, and warned that it could cause damage to a damaged economy.

It added that the strike would further hamper an already flailing local construction sector, especially with reports of cement shortages in Tobago, resulting in a loss of revenue and profits.

As the strike continues, there are also reports of construction sites having to shut down because of the shortage, resulting in workers being unemployed and threatening investor confidence.

The Chamber is calling for an immediate end to the strike action, and for TCL management and the union to return to the negotiating table to settle the impasse.

If all else fails, it added, then the matter should be referred to the Industrial Court for determination.

The union is demanding a 16 per cent increase, while TCL is offering 6.5 per cent over a three-year period. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)