Trinidad & Tobago: Port workers conclude their industrial action

The Port Authority of Trinidad & Tobago (PATT) has announced that it is actively working to resolve the backlog of vessels and containers at the Port of Port of Spain, which arose following recent industrial actions by workers. In a concise statement, the PATT confirmed that “all operational services at the Port of Port of Spain have returned to normal workforce levels.”

However, the statement did not specify whether the issues that prompted the industrial action have been addressed. Last week, port workers conducted a walkout to protest various concerns, including health and safety matters and stalled wage negotiations. Earlier this year, around 1,000 workers also left their jobs, demanding that management tackle health and safety conditions and agree to a 12 percent wage increase.

Currently, the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU) has not publicly responded to the PATT’s announcement. The situation is being closely monitored as stakeholders await further updates regarding the resolution of the workers’ grievances.

The Trinidad & Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) has cautioned consumers to prepare for delays of at least one month in retrieving goods, as the disruptions have left manufacturers, exporters, and traders frustrated with anticipated two-to-three-week delays due to workers engaging in “sick-out” actions.

The TTMA warned that if the situation remains unresolved, it could lead to increased prices as the Christmas and Carnival seasons approach.

“TTMA is urging intervention from the relevant authorities, including senior port managers and the Government, to resolve the matter promptly, as well as to consider waiving port rent and demurrage fees incurred by affected businesses,” the statement added.

Apollo Arjoon, Vice President of the Association of Trinidad & Tobago Hauliers, expressed relief at the reopening but anticipates challenges ahead. “I would advise people to start bulk buying because what happened during the United States strike will have repercussions in the Caribbean,” he noted. -(CMC)