2018, YEAR OF TUMULT

MASS retrenchment, over 500 murders, destructive flooding, high food prices and a flatlining economy have all combined to make 2018 a most tumultuous year for Trinidad and Tobago.

And even as he looked forward yesterday with hope for a better new year, Communication Workers Union (CWU) head Clyde Elder said many thousands may not share his hopeful outlook as they face an uncertain future in terms of job and personal security.

He cited the firing of thousands of workers from Petrotrin and hundreds from TSTT last year as the launch pad for deep angst among society and predicted further job losses this year at other state companies. Asked his thoughts on 2018, Elder said, “what a year it has been.”

Elder said TSTT had laid off 500 workers plus 52 managers outside the bargaining unit in 2018. “The Government has been setting the tone, leading the way regarding retrenchment of workers and their attitude to unions,” he said. Elder said that at state-run Petrotrin and TSTT, the government showed no respect for unions.

“It is not what you do, but how you do it.” Elder said he had asked TSTT’s management to sit down at a conciliation meeting, saying, “I don’t think it is so far gone that we can’t sit down and discuss it. But the company has refused to have a discussion with the union.”

He said the matter has gone to the Industrial Court, with the union requesting an early date for its hearing. “There’s a lot of work to do, but I anticipate the union’s victory and justice for the workers, early in the New Year.” Elder said the CWU will challenge the process TSTT used to retrench workers.

Newsday asked how workers retrenched from TSTT were now faring. “Many are very emotional,” Elder said adding that he too passed in the retrenchment rush.

“There’s a lot of anxiety and uncertainty. Today is our last day on the job. There’s a lot of sadness, anger and insecurity as to what will happen in the future,” Elder said yesterday. He said today will mark the start of a new life for retrenched workers many of whom have no idea what their future holds and how they will survive.

Newsday asked if workers have psychologically “moved on” to craft new plans for their lives. Elder said, “People are still trying to catch themselves, and to come to terms with what has happened. Given the state of the economy, it’s difficult for people to have plans. You can’t bank on the economy.”

Asked if the retrenchments will affect upcoming elections, Elder replied yes.

“We’ve been tremendously disappointed by this government and are hoping for a change. The question is, what is the alternative. I’m hoping that from among the people will come a viable alternative.”