NTAC members sad to see labour movement go

Former Minister of Labour and NTAC government representative Jennifer Baptiste-Primus said she is saddened by the trade unions’ decision to leave the National Tripartite Advisory Council (NTAC).

Union leaders held a press conference at the National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW) office in Port of Spain on Wednesday where they announced its departure from the council.

Baptiste-Primus said it was the second time they had parted ways with the council but she was able the first time to urge the union leaders stay within the council in her role as minister.

NTAC was formed in 2016 to facilitate engagements, dialogue, and consultations with the private sector, labour movements and the government.

On Wednesday, Baptiste-Primus said, “I drew reference to a marriage, where there will be difficulties, but you have to stay the course.”

She said she knew the trade unions always had concerns that were discussed at the level of council.

“I wish for a cooling-off period and then they meet and discuss the issues and arrive at a mutually beneficial position. If that does not happen, then it does not bode well for a continued, peaceful industrial relation climate.”

TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce CEO and private sector representative on NTAC Gabriel Faria said he was sorry to see them leave but was also sympathetic to their situation. “I am aware that there are a number of outstanding negotiations and some which were settled but not paid,” he said.

“I also recognise the economic reality of TT and the private sector has found itself in this situation also.”

He said, in the reality of the current economic environment considering covid19, it was important for all parties to come together with a focus to what can be done for the benefit of all of TT. We have survived the pandemic, but we have to figure out how to survive the chaos.”

He said for any tripartite environment to be successful there must be a willingness to compromise on all sides. He added that there was room for improvement at NATC.

“We need full participation from the government, the private sector, and labour.”

Faria said he hoped there could be some mediation and for everyone involved to focus on saving the economy.

He added that one of the most pressing matters in helping to restart the economy was access to vaccines.