JTUM supports NIB workers

The Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) says it stands in solidarity with National Insurance Board (NIB) workers.

In a statement on Monday, it said collective bargaining is the law of the land.

“This process allows both employers (the NIB and the government in this case) and workers’ representatives to treat and negotiate on the terms and conditions of employment.”

It said collective bargaining also provides a forum to resolve disputes.

“The government is not above the law. An agreement between the government and the workers was reached through collective bargaining.”

It said the government must, therefore, abide by the agreement, adding Finance Minister Colm Imbert continually discusses collective agreements for different state agencies.

“As a minister, sworn to uphold the interests of TT, Mr Imbert should be more careful and precise when discussing the various state agencies and enterprises and the status of collective agreements.”

On Thursday, the NIB said it would provide Imbert with a report on the collective agreement between it and the Public Services Association (PSA). Imbert referred to the agreement in Senate on Tuesday.