Port standoff continues as neither side budges on pay dispute

The ongoing impasse at the Port of Port-of-Spain remains unresolved, causing major disruptions to operations and adversely affecting the business community. There seems to be no end in sight as neither side has budged in the port pay dispute.

On Sunday, Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan said that despite the disruptions, the port managed to handle all export containers and incoming shipments over the weekend. He assured that port operations were back to normal.

But that was short-lived as port activities were significantly disrupted yesterday, with workers refusing to attend a scheduled meeting with Port Authority Chairman Lyle Alexander at three locations in Port-of-Spain.

Workers gathered instead at the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU) Hall on Wrightson Road. From there, they staged a loud and determined protest outside the Ministry of Works and Transport head office on Richmond Street, followed by a demonstration at the Ministry of Finance building on Independence Square in Port-of-Spain.

The workers’ actions once again forced the Association of Hauliers of Trinidad and Tobago (ATTH) to halt operations. Meanwhile, the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA), exasperated with the situation, has called for an urgent resolution as the business community struggles under the pressure of the ongoing disruptions. Since October, tensions have escalated, with protests leading to ongoing disruptions at the Port of Port-of-Spain.

President General of the SWWTU Michael Annisette said that the workers felt it was more appropriate to convene at the union hall rather than attend management’s meetings.

He urged workers to strictly adhere to the port’s rules, signalling a shift in their approach to the dispute, as they embarked on a work-to-rule. “When you’re working on the port, in an area where the speed limit is 15 miles per hour, but you’re driving 40 or 50 just to finish the job, and there’s a manager along with four men pushing someone to break the law—well, that’s going to change,” he said.

“From today, we’re driving 15 miles per hour on the port. From today, we will strictly follow the rules of the port.”

He further warned, “That is the instruction from the president of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union. If you fail to carry it out, you do so at your own risk. We are currently dealing with cases where workers are involved in accidents due to poor lighting facilities. In such instances, they are sent home and given only three to six weeks off.” Annisette also called for the Port Authority to honour an agreement signed by the previous board, which identified a 12 per cent wage increase.

However, the Government, citing legal advice from two senior counsels, has stated that the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is not enforceable.

Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, Sinanan assured that operations would return to normal soon.

He said, “I would think that the breaking point will be where the port will explore all its options. I know the port is looking at all its options as we speak, and whatever has to happen within the legal framework of the operations will take place.

“The workers think they are doing what is in their best interest, but clearly a significant part of the population does not share that view. A certain segment of our country sees their actions as hampering the nation.”

He added, “We know what is happening at the port, and we know what we have to do to ensure operations continue.”

ATTH president Reza Ali, in a release yesterday, stated that as a result, the association will not deploy any equipment for port operations for the rest of “Monday, November 18, 2024.”

Ali said the ATTH, recognising the significant impact on stakeholders and the public, was working to minimise disruptions. He urged all parties to stay informed and exercise patience as the situation unfolds. The ATTH is closely monitoring developments and will decide on further action based on what occurs today.

DOMA frustrated with situation

Speaking to Guardian Media, DOMA president Gregory Aboud expressed frustration with the situation.

“Those who have decided to put us in a headlock and choke us are doing it uninterrupted. They are unmoved by the very reasonable and constructive remarks many of us have made about the hardship being created. I feel very bad for Trinidad and Tobago, and I feel very bad for those misguided persons doing this. In the words of a greater person than any of us, I say, ‘Lord, please forgive them, for they don’t know what they do,’” he said.

“If they were to advertise jobs on the port tomorrow, thousands of people would line up for a chance to do the very same work this group is refusing to do. Maybe they have their own argument to make about what they are entitled to ask for now, but those are good jobs that tens of thousands of people would be happy to have.”

Aboud said he was hoping that good sense prevails, “that light will come where there is darkness, and sense will come where there is nonsense.’

He added, “We need leadership to take this headlock off our country and allow the economy to breathe again.”

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