Labour leaders on Labour Minister: We do not know his track record

President general of the All Trinidad General Workers’ Trade Union (ATGWU) Nirvan Maharaj is taking a wait-and-see approach regarding the appointment of the new Labour Minister.

"Personally, I do not know the gentleman. I never really heard of him, so I am a bit unsure about who he is and where he is coming from. I do not know his track record," Maharaj told Newsday.

"I do not want to prejudge anyone, so, I will wait and see how he deals with the labour movement."

Stephen Mc Clashie, La Brea MP, was sworn in on Wednesday.

He replaced Jennifer Baptiste-Primus, former president of the Public Services Association. Her predecessor was Errol McLeod, the former head of the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union (OWTU).

Maharaj, who is also an attorney and political leader of the National Solidarity Assembly, emphasised he did not want to make assumptions about McClashie, but he threw jabs at the former ministers.

"The two last ministers came from the bowel of the labour movement and both did a poor job. Therefore, I do not think this gentleman could be worse."

President general of the OWTU, Ancel Roget, who is also head of the Joint Trade Union Movement, spoke briefly to Newsday, saying he was reserving his comments until Thursday.

"Tomorrow I will be talking about it," he said.

Like Maharaj, president general of the Contractors and General Workers Trade Union (CGWTU) Joseph Phillip said he knew little about McClashie.

"I am very surprised because it seems we do not have anything concrete on him to be the minister. His credentials are hidden from us.

"In a time like this, we want a seasoned campaigner for the minister of labour. He served on the board of Lake Asphalt, but we do not know much about him."

Among the people CGWTU represents are Lake Asphalt workers.

Phillip promised to make additional comments in the upcoming days regarding the minister.