OTWU accuses T&TEC of breaching covid19 protocols

The Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) has blasted T&TEC for a media release it issued earlier in the week, describing it as disingenuous and erroneous.

On Thursday the OWTU also issued a media statement, which said the commission failed to reflect the details accurately in its April 7 release about a meeting between the two parties the day before.

It charged, “Despite what is said in their media release, the union does not believe that the management of T&TEC is properly responding to the covid19 pandemic.

“The union is of the view that our concerns raised at the April 6 meeting are in the best interests of T&TEC workers and the public at large.”

On April 7, T&TEC reported that two employees attached to the northern area had tested positive for covid19. They did not specify the exact location where the two worked.

It said all health protocols were applied and the necessary contact tracing done, which resulted in employees being put in self-isolation and work areas sanitised.

OTWU accused T&TEC of flaunting Ministry of Health protocols, which it said has put the public at risk, because T&TEC employees were required to respond to various situations, including emergency calls.

“The reality is that the commission continues to place workers’ lives at risk as there is a complete lack of communication with its workers and no proper procedure for contact tracing.

“The commission continues to violate the covid19 protocols set by the Ministry of Health."it called on the commission to adhere to the protocol and "to act responsibly in displaying duty of care to the workers and the public at large.”

T&TEC said the OWTU was informed about the situation and its concerns were being considered.

“T&TEC also met with the OWTU on Wednesday to appraise them of the measures taken and provided them with the opportunity to raise any concerns.

“The OWTU put forward some worthwhile recommendations," it said, "which are receiving the attention of management.”