Elder: TSTT security assaulted me

SECRETARY General of the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) Clyde Elder said he is considering his legal options as he claimed being physically assaulted by security at TSTT's head office in Port of Spain on Wednesday.

At a press conference at CWU headquarters, Elder, flanked by other labour leaders said he was disgusted at how TSTT handled his presence. He said that contrary to a release issued by TSTT, he was not on the compound for a meeting, but rather to hear workers' concerns.

"While addressing these grievances, the security came in and said they had instructions from the executive vice president of human resources Carol David, that this meeting was unauthorised. He came back another time with two armed officers. I asked him repeatedly if I was a security threat," Elder said.

Elder said he understood workers on the first floor wanted to speak to him as well. But as he was going up, he was blocked by security on the staircase. "I was surrounded by officers as I tried to address the workers, one of them (security) wrapped his arms around me and lifted me off the ground and brought me outside to the pavement."

Elder said he had difficulty breathing and experienced chest pains from the incident. He said the CWU intends to meet with TSTT management at the Ministry of Labour's office on Duke Street tomorrow. He promised legal action if discussions do not go in the union's favour. Elder also alleged that government has intentions of closing TSTT by March.