Kamla meets with OWTU on Petrotrin

A team led by the Leader of the Opposition Kamla Persad Bissessar, SC, MP met with representatives of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) on Wednesday 26th September, in which the union presented its “Alternative Plan to Save Petrotrin.”

Describing the meeting as cordial and productive, the Opposition Leader expressed concern over the Rowley-led Government’s disregard for the employees of the State-owned company. She reiterated that the Opposition shares the view that the company can be turned around, the jobs of thousands of workers saved and the shut down of the refinery is not in the best interest of the company and the country.

The OWTU’s team was led by President General Ancel Roget, who outlined the union’s proposals to return Petrotrin to profitability and preserve the jobs of at least 9,000 workers.

“Next Monday, the country will learn from the Minister of Finance what is our current economic standing and it is hoped that the country will hear some concrete plans regarding the company’s future, given its critical importance to our nation’s energy sector,” the Opposition Leader stated. “However, in light of the manner in which Rowley has handled this issue, as well as his demonstrated inability to manage the country’s affairs, we do not expect to hear of any viable plans to secure our nation’s assets.”

The Opposition Leader assured that her party would continue to speak with all stakeholders interested in ensuring the stability and sustainability of the State-owned company, preserving jobs and in moving Trinidad and Tobago forward.