Union head: Help those losing income through latest restrictions

Head of the All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers' Trade Union (ATSGWTU) Nirvan Maharaj hopes Government will put measures in place to assist workers who will be losing income because of the tightened restrictions to curb the spread of the covid19 virus.

He suggested that such measures should include  resuming grants and even subsidies to some businesses.

Saying he was not a medical expert, the trade unionist and attorney said he has and will continue to be guided by the professionals.

“I have to accept and trust the measures implemented by the Prime Minister as he would have a lot more information than the ordinary citizen as to the true nature of what we are facing,” Maharaj said in a phone interview on Thursday, hours after the latest measures were announced.

From what he sees on the world news and "the situation in other countries," Maharaj said, the latest restrictions would have adverse consequences on the provision of and access to many services. It would also affect the income-earning capacity of both businesses and workers, he said.

“There will always be shortcomings since no measure will be perfect.”

Some of the tighter restrictions include closing all malls, places of worship, gyms and fitness places, bars, casinos, cinemas, theatres, clubs, centres, spas and beauty services. The measures are effective from midnight on Thursday to May 23.

Newsday contacted many trade unions and associations for their views on the latest restrictions geared at curbing the spread of covid19.

Chief education and research officer at the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union Ozzy Warrick said the union would share its views on May Day, which is celebrated on Saturday. Several unionists, including the president of the National Nursing Association, Idi Stuart, promised to comment, but the responses were not forthcoming.