Industrial Court orders port workers to go back to work

Senior Reporter

otto.carrington@guardian.co.tt

Port workers have been ordered back to work following an Industrial Court injunction. The move has been described as a victory for the nation’s economy by the Port Authority.

The ruling comes amidst escalating tensions over labour disputes between port workers and the Port Authority.

The interim ex parte injunction marks a turning point after more than a month of industrial action led by the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU).

The matter was heard before Industrial Court president Heather Seale, vice president Herbert Soverall, Chairman of the Essential Services Division Lawrence Achong, His Honour Morton Mitchell, and His Honour Vincent Cabrera.

The union was served around 9 am yesterday to appear in court later that day at 1.30 pm. The matter is expected to be heard on December 6, when the union will present its case.

However, SWWTU president general Michael Annisette criticised the Port Authority’s approach, stating that the situation could have been resolved through dialogue with the union rather than resorting to legal action.

Annisette said the union would respect the court’s judgment and await the written orders.

Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan described the court’s decision as a “victory for Trinidad and Tobago,” emphasising the importance of resuming operations at the port.

The industrial action, which persisted for more than six weeks, caused significant disruptions to businesses and critical sectors of the economy.

The major issue of contention for the workers has been a 12 per cent wage increase, which they claimed was agreed to with the port management for the bargaining period from 2014 to 2019.

However, Sinanan said that the offer was not sanctioned by the CPO (Chief Personnel Officer). The Government countered with a four per cent offer, fuelling discontent among the workers.

Sinanan later said talks were underway with Finance Minister Colm Imbert to place the offer of five per cent for the 2020 to 2022 period for the SWWTU members.

Speaking to Guardian Media shortly after the judgment, Sinanan reiterated that the court’s decision was a “victory”, highlighting its significance in restoring operations and stability.

“It’s a victory for the business community, for the reputation of the Port of Port-of-Spain, and for doing business in Trinidad and Tobago. It’s also a victory for the workers at the port because we are acting in the best interest of all stakeholders, including the workers,” he said.

Sinanan said the importance of resolving the dispute amicably. “We will use this opportunity to find a solution to this dispute. However, shutting down the port every other day is not a viable solution. With the port now fully operational, we can focus on meeting and charting a way forward.”

The Works Minister emphasised that the port had always remained open to discussions, but the union had chosen not to engage. “There are rules and regulations regarding how we negotiate with workers. If the union is their bargaining unit, we will engage the union. The port has always been open to meeting with the unions, but it is the unions that have taken a stand of 12 per cent or nothing,” he explained.

“Negotiations require compromise. If both sides hold firm to their positions, no progress can be made. The port is willing to meet with the unions, provided they are open to coming up with a sensible solution for the problems going forward.”

Annisette expressed disappointment over the Port Authority’s action, stating, “It is unfortunate that the port chose this path rather than meeting with the union. In my view, such discussions would have resulted in a decision that truly serves the best interests of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Annisette said there was a need for a collaborative approach. “We were discussing productivity, efficiency, and aligning the Port Authority with international best practices to make it more competitive. It is regrettable that the Government or the Port Authority did not engage the union in these discussions, which are critical for the nation’s progress. Nonetheless, we will continue to advocate for a better, more efficient port for Trinidad and Tobago, as envisioned in the framework agreement.”

In a media release yesterday, Port Authority Chairman Lyle Alexander said the urgency of resuming operations was critical, especially with the Christmas season approaching. “Prolonged disruptions at the port threaten businesses, with several Chambers of Commerce and enterprises voicing concerns about impacts on sales and operations,” Alexander said. “We never wanted to take this action, but the workers’ steps are jeopardising operations and livelihoods. We have a duty to protect stakeholders and the country.”

The port handles 59 per cent of the nation’s container volumes, making continued disruptions a significant risk to the economy and essential supply chains. The Port Authority said it remains open to dialogue to resolve the wage impasse but stressed that the current situation is unsustainable and harmful to national and regional interests.

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