PM meets Trade Union Representatives on Falling Oil Prices
Government and Labour have committed to work together to preserve jobs, generate sustainable employment and to improve labour productivity in Trinidad and Tobago.
In continuing her conversations with various stakeholder groups on the impact of falling energy prices on the Trinidad and Tobago economy, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar today met with 40 representatives from 17 trade union bodies at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s.
“We will stand side by side and work together to ensure that employment levels and job security are maintained during this time of economic transition,” the Prime Minister said.
Recognizing the critical importance of labour and its contribution to society, and in keeping with her commitment to placing people at the heart of development, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar assured that the Government would continue to resolve outstanding wage negotiations.
The Prime Minister noted that a total of 87 outstanding Collective Agreements have been settled between the period May 2010 to December 2014.
The representatives welcomed the Prime Minister’s invitation to voice their concerns, and plot a way forward to minimize the impact on workers and their families, describing the move as “unprecedented”.
Productivity, a “living wage” and efficiency were high on the agenda during the three hour meeting.
Union leaders acknowledged that the issue of declining energy prices is a national one which demands strong and concerted efforts from all citizens to find solutions.
The labour representatives urged the Government to use this “golden opportunity” presented by the global energy crisis to move Trinidad and Tobago forward in terms of improving efficiency and diversification of the economy.
Government agreed to further dialogue with Labour in the months ahead to address issues facing workers.