OWTU: Workers' safety compromised as covid19 cases rise

THERE are claims that covid19 cases are rising at the TT Electricity Commission (TTEC) yet the commission is resisting agreements to protect workers.

The Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) said over 200 electricity workers have been affected by covid19 and are in some form of quarantine.

OWTU executive vice president Peter Burke, who has responsibility for workers at TTEC said this number is expected to rise as over 20 employees are awaiting test results.

He said there were positive cases in the OWTU bargaining unit, but there was a greater exposure among members of the Estate Police Association (TTEC police contingent).

Burke told the Newsday on Thursday evening that in spite of the rising numbers, the commission is still resisting the agreement to rotate workers

“We do not believe the commission is serious about protecting workers. This is very disconcerting because of what the national situation is at the moment and how critical TTEC is to the safe running of the country.”

The Ministry of Health in a release on Thursday evening said the death toll from covid19 stood at 29.

The union and TTEC signed an agreement in March to rotate workers in an effort to protect them by not having all of them to work at the same time.

Burke said the commission reneged on this arrangement and that matter is now before the Industrial Court.

Burke claimed the company is forcing workers who have been exposed, to come to work.

The union and the commission met on Wednesday but Burke said there were some sticking points including an April request for the withdrawal of substandard face masks.

The masks are still being used, Burke said.

“The commission is expected to bring clarity to some of these matters on Friday and also to share some critical documentation with us.”

Newsday understands that Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales also had a lengthy meeting with TTEC on Wednesday.

Last weekend Gonzales indicated he would be meeting with TTEC to get an update on claims made by the OWTU regarding the treatment of workers and the lack of implementation of covid19 guidelines.

He also indicated a willingness to meet with the union to discuss concerns expressed.

Burke said written requests to meet were sent to Gonzales on August 26 following his comments about the privatisation of TTEC the day after he was sworn in.

“The minister’s statements gave the impression he was not au courant with a lot of things happening at the commission. We want to meet with him to talk to him about that, for him to understand from our perspective some of the ills at TTEC. We also want to talk to him about covid19 and other issues.”

Burke said a second request was made to the minister on September 3 and the union is awaiting a response.