TSTT workers stage protest

TSTT workers staged simultaneous midday protests at the company’s St James Street, San Fernando and Park Street, Port of Spain offices yesterday over the State company’s decision to close nine retail stores.

The company in a statement said it was engaged in a digital transformation of operations which would include the use of TSTT’s enhanced online portal, inter-connected kiosks and an expanded bill-payment network. However, Communications Workers Union (CWU) south branch chairman Desmond Campbell questioned the timing of the transformation touted by the company, saying TSTT recently invested millions in its retail stores in a bid to enhance customer experience.

“The company would have spent millions within the last two years to upgrade these centres and now immediately afterwards you want to close down these stores and transfer employees? That is just not making any sense,” Campbell said. He added that the closure would affect 203 employees including management, senior and junior staff.

Campbell said although the union is expected to meet with company representatives today at TSTT’s St Vincent Street, Port of Spain office to discuss the company’s plans, the union is also exploring legal options. He reiterated that the confidentiality and security of customers may be compromised at dealers’ outlets as bill-paying customers who use their credit and debit cards would be doing so to a third party with less than ideal security arrangements.

He cited a recent case involving a private dealer and another mobile phone provider in which the dealer had not transferred money collected from customers to the company. “The key thing is confidentiality of customers’ information. TSTT employees have all signed confidentiality clauses, and if that is breached, TSTT employees could lose their jobs. That is not the same with dealerships where there is a high turnover of employees,” he said.