EMPLOYEES of the Telecommunication Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) are being warned that their jobs could be in jeopardy.
Secretary General of the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) Clyde Elder issued the warning in a press release on Thursday.
Elder stated the union wrote to TSTT and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on the matter.
He made reference to a statement from the National Enterprises (NEL) Chairman Ingrid Lashley which stated, “While the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) has experienced a 35% reduction in value, the Company has embarked on another reorganisation exercise, that when successfully implemented, is expected to yield significant profits going forward.”
Elder demanded to know if there was an on-going attempt to destroy the CWU.
The Secretary General stated that it was clear to the union that TSTT intended to once again retrench a number of workers.
“We wish to categorically state however, that TSTI’s management has not engaged the Union in any discussions on any restructuring/retrenchment exercise,” he stated.
Elder added, “We also wish to state that we will vehemently oppose any attempts to unilaterally or otherwise retrench members of the bargainingunits who we represent, that is the junior staff and senior staff.
“Further, TSTT has repeatedly claimed that they do not have the financesto pay the monies owed to the workers who were retrenched in November 2018 and to the persons who have retired from 2016 to present and to the workers who are owed retroactive payments from January 2016 to June 2020.”
Elder demanded to know of TSTT’s financial position.
“Where therefore is TSTT suddenly getting money from to engage in another retrenchment exercise? Is the Keith Rowley-led Government and the Colm Imbert-controlled Ministry of Finance, using its resources to once again place TSTT workers on the breadline?
Is the Government once again attempting to destroy the Communication Workers Union?” he asked.
He also questioned TSTT’s decision to purchase Massy Communications now called Amplia. In addition, Elder described Amplia as a duplication of its buyer in its jobs and functions.
He said too many questions remain unanswered and the CWU will not allow TSTT to attack without a powerful defense.
