[UPDATED] Christopher Streete elected new president of NUGFW

Wednesday 30 October 2024

NUGFW members during their annual Labour Day march. - File photo

Christopher Streete, newly elected president general of the National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW), attributed his win to the organisation shifting away from its democratic processes.

Streete succeeded James Lambert, who held the position for 16 years.

Streete, who served as deputy general secretary for 16 years, spoke with Newsday in an interview after his swearing-in at the organisation’s headquarters on Henry Street, Port of Spain, on October 30.

He said members pretended to support Lambert publicly, but ultimately cast their votes for him.

Lambert, the incumbent, received 1,981 votes and Streete 2,329.

He expressed particular gratitude for the unwavering support he received from members in Tobago.

“There was overwhelming support in my direction. I think people felt Lambert had served his time and it was time to turn the page.”

Streete said members distanced themselves from Lambert for several reasons, including his absence from meetings and ongoing health issues.

“It was somewhat selfish of him to want to impose himself on the organisation when he knew he could not give 100 per cent.”

He said members did not run against Lambert; they just did not run with him.

Asked what he learned from Lambert's presidency, he said, "Sometimes you learn what to do and sometimes you learn what not to do."

But Streete credited positive aspects of Lambert’s tenure, saying he was always persistent and insistent.

“He didn't give up easily when he put a proposal on the table: he didn’t just sit back. He was very determined. I would take that from him.”

Earlier in the day, Newsday spoke with Lambert in a brief interview. Lambert congratulated Streete, but chose not to make any additional comments.

Subsequent calls to Lambert on Streete's claims went unanswered.

As he steps into his new role, Streete aims to address concerns raised by members and foster a more democratic environment within the organisation.

“My mantra is to prioritise our members and give back to the community.

“Members should feel they can come to the union for assistance, especially during challenging times.”

Streete detailed his plans to provide support for workers facing financial hardship, highlighting members who are currently on suspension without pay. He proposed the union offer financial assistance.

Additionally, he spoke of the importance of improving medical support, pledging that the union would cover up to $10,000 in medical expenses for members undergoing major surgery after exhausting other resources.

On ongoing pension negotiations, Streete said discussions would resume in the Industrial Court on March 12, after delays caused by the government’s failure to submit evidence on time.

He reiterated the union’s position that workers should not have to rely solely on the National Insurance Board (NIS) for financial support after retirement, saying the government has not fulfilled its long-standing promise to establish a pension plan for daily-paid workers.

Streete said members could expect consistency in his leadership, emphasising he will remain true to himself.

He said the NUGFW represents a diverse membership, including employees from the Housing Development Corporation, Massy Stores, the Tobago House of Assembly and various ministries. Currently, the union has about 17,000 active members.

As the interview concluded, Streete spoke about the general election. He said NUGFW's constitution allows for a political fund and if any political party promotes workers' agendas, there is nothing to prevent the organisation from supporting or contributing financially to them.

He clarified he does not belong to any political party and as the union's president, he is focused on policies that will benefit all workers.

“If a party promotes any initiatives that advance the cause of our members and workers in general, we have no issues or fears about publicly supporting them.”

Other newly-elected members:

Deputy president general: Clifton Simpson

Second deputy president general: Lydia Peters

First vice president: Gillian Taylor

Second vice president: Oatdeo Ramesarsingh

General secretary Ramesh Sookdeo

First deputy general secretary Carla Garcia

Second deputy general secretary: Sharmila Ramnarine-Singh

Treasurer: Dawson Phillips

Deputy treasurer: Nicole Williams

Trustees: Kenneth Roderick, Adesh Ramhelawan and Kevin Haynes.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

CHRISTOPHER Streete has been elected the new president general of the National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW), succeeding James Lambert, who held the position for 16 years.

The election took place on October 28, with Streete's slate, Workers' Guardians, sweeping all the executive positions.

In a brief interview with Newsday on October 30, Lambert sent his congratulations to Streete, but opted not to make any other comments.

The NUGFW, formed in 1967, is one of the largest trade unions in Trinidad and Tobago, representing a wide range of government and federated workers. Streete is stepping into his new role after previously serving as Lambert's first deputy president general.

Newly-elected members:
Deputy president general: Clifton Simpson