A video circulating on social media shows members of trade unions marching around the Queen’s Park Savannah on Friday
By Chantalé Fletcher and Sue-Ann Wayow
HOLDING placards, thousands of trade union members marched through the streets of the capital city on Friday rejecting the offer of a 2% wage increase.
They chanted: “Time for Rowley to go now, 2% nothing!” as they marched peacefully from Memorial Park into Port of Spain on Friday.
This came after several trade unions and associations rejected an offer of a 2% salary increase over eight years by Chief Personnel Officer Darly Dindial on Thursday.
Healthcare workers came out in their numbers from all regional health authorities and were accompanied by members of the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM), National Trade Union Centre of Trinidad and Tobago (NATUC), National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGF) and others.
In addition, members of the Fire Service Association and other associations demanded their rightful earnings.
Some said the cost of living was continuously on the rise yet their salaries have remained stagnant.
One worker said, “All we want is to live too, and the 2% increase was a total disrespect.”
NATUC General Secterary Michael Anniestte said, “We not taking no threats from you, those days done!”
Anniestte also urged parents to stop allowing their children to be vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccines.
The group delivered a letter at the CPO’s office on Alexandra Street and then rallied in front of the Ministry of Finance in downtown.
Outside, President General of the Contractors and General Workers Trade Union (CAGWTU) Ermine De Bique Meade urged other comrades to stand by and be wait for June 19 – Labour Day.
She said, “We have to show this Government that we mean business. No defeat, no surrender!”
The protest began with a gathering at Memorial Park.
Referring to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Finance Minister Colm Imbert, some protesters chanted “Rowley and Imbert out”, “Get down from there Rowley” and “2% nothing!”
Members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) were also present keeping a watchful eye on proceedings.
The unions had stated last week that the 2% offer made on behalf of the government was simply not enough and had promised to shut down work if another offer was not made.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Dr Rowley said it would be difficult to move upward from 2% and asked the unions not to protest.
