Trinidad police take industrial action

As police officers embark on a day of “rest and reflection” today to press for higher salaries, the government has assured that contingency plans are in place to ensure that law and order is maintained. Soldiers are expected to take up the slack of the striking officers.

“On the eve of the threat by a small number of police officers to withhold their services, the citizenry can rest assured that every measure possible has been put in place to ensure the safety of our nation,” said a statement issued by the government.

“Most members of the Police Service understand the tremendous responsibility they hold for the maintenance of law and order. They understand what the dereliction of the duty they are sworn to perform means and the nation is proud of their commitment,” it added, noting that tribute must also be paid to the many volunteers and joint army-police personnel deployed across the nation in defence of residents of the twin-island republic. “The nation owes them all a deep sense of gratitude for ensuring we are not all held to ransom.”

Police officers, like other public sector groups, are insisting on more than the 5 percent increase government has put on the table.

But the government statement said the compensation package offered to members of the Police Service would see some officers receive an almost 30 percent increase.

“The Government has put together a safe and sound offer that sees our police officers receiving a 17 to 26 per cent increase in their compensation package over 2007, plus a three-year back pay,” it said. “Yet this is deemed insufficient to engage further talks and prompts a reckless encouragement of Police Service withdrawal.”

Meantime, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has said that the planned industrial action is illegal.

“I intend to review the situation and advise Cabinet on the legal options available in the event the strike action materializes and is on a scale that causes disruption and chaos in society,” he told reporters, adding that the government’s main priority is the security and safety of residents.

Ramlogan has dismissed the idea that the officers can hide behind sick leave provisions to escape the legal repercussions of their actions.

“It is a well orchestrated and publicly organized form of industrial action that leaves society exposed. It would be disingenuous and absurd for anyone to say that the utilization of sick or casual leave can give legal protection to this strike,” he said.

“The idea that thousands of police officers by sheer coincidence, simultaneously fall ill or decide to go to the beaches is preposterous.”

Ramlogan also advised medical doctors who issue fraudulent medical certificates to police officers that they could face possible criminal and disciplinary action

Source: Caribbean360