NUGFW wants more labour voices on recovery team

PRESIDENT general of the National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW) James Lambert says while he is pleased with government's response to the coronavirus, he would like to see more labour leaders included in talks on recovery after the pandemic.

Speaking at a press conference and hamper distribution ceremony at the NUGFW office on Henry Street, Port of Spain on Monday, Lambert commended government for its management of the pandemic but called for more inclusion in matters relating to labour relations and economic diversity in the aftermath.

He said while he acknowledged general secretary of the National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) Michael Annisette and Christopher Henry of the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) were members of the team, he felt more labour leaders should be involved in discussions.

"We commend the government for their initiatives – but do not fix one side of the fence and let the other side of the fence fall.

"We only heard on the radio that our general secretary Michael Annisette and Christopher Henry was part of it (the team), and after that nothing was mentioned pertaining to the role of the trade union movement in recovery. We as a union recognise the situation the government is facing but we would like to meet and treat with the issues at hand."

Lambert also said despite recently reaching out to National Security Minister Stuart Young he was unable to get a response to the concerns of the union and its members.

"What evil has the trade union done to the government? I am of the government is anti-trade union movement. The Prime Minister has mentioned every single possible thing except the unions."

The press conference also served as a handing-over ceremony for 300 Massy Stores hampers to members of the NUGFW who lost their jobs during the coronavirus outbreak. Lambert said each bag was worth about $300. Members of the NUGFW executive contributed towards the purchase of the hampers, including Lambert, who donated a third of his salary towards this project. M&M Insurance Brokers also contributed.

Editor's note: This story was updated on May 14 to clarify the sources of funding of the 300 hampers.