T&TEC Tobago workers protest over stalled pay talks, equipment

TRINIDAD & Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) workers staged a protest in Tobago on the morning of October 18, highlighting several issues which they say are affecting their ability to perform.

The workers, some carrying placards, gathered outside the company’s head office in Scarborough around 6.30 am, clapping and singing We Shall Overcome and other solidarity songs.

Marcus Cordner, executive vice-president of the Oilfields Workers Trade Union, told reporters the company’s management is aware of their concerns, but has not taken action. He claimed more than 2,000 employees are affected.

“We are here as the workers of T&TEC Distribution, Tobago, to highlight the plight of our current situation, where it is we have a shortage of vehicles, stalled negotiations, faulty testing equipment, low manpower and a number of other issues,” he said.

“These issues have been asked to be met by the management on several occasions and is always, ‘I don’t know,’ or, ‘I’ll see what I can do.’

“So this morning, we came out here to let the public know what is happening, because as a result of these issues I am speaking of, we can end up with a poor supply of electricity.”

Cordner said although the politicians often boast about T&TEC workers going the extra mile, “Nobody sees how far backwards we have to bend, and enough is enough.”

Asked if the workers were contemplating a shutdown, he said, “We can’t say that we will shut down Tobago. But if the mismanagement continues and the don’t-care and laissez-faire attitude from the management continues, then eventually probably that would happen. But it would not be on the back of the workers.”

Cordner said wage negotiations for the period 2015-2017 have stalled.

“We are looking at 12 per cent. However, this 12 per cent is negotiable.

"But it is not only about the money but about the longevity of the company and the working conditions. So once we meet on the table discussions will be had. But we are not meeting, so that is where the issue is.”

He said the workers are pressing for an urgent meeting “because we have not been offered even zero to date.”

Cordner said they also need more field workers and a “proper” fleet of vehicles.

“The vehicles we have are very old and they keep breaking down. Sometimes you call in a report and when you find that the crews aren’t coming, that is a result of vehicles. So we can’t get there to assist you.”

Morale among workers is low, he said.

“The workers are self-motivated, because there is nothing else to motivate them. You see we are out here early this morning so we could go in and still try to do our work with the little that we have.”