Disgruntled PSA workers urge members: 'Withhold dues from Duke'

Some members of the Public Services Association (PSA), unhappy with the leadership of president Watson Duke, protested outside the union on Abercromby Street, Port of Spain on Wednesday calling for his resignation and urging other members to take action.

The demonstration, led by social activist Wendell Eversley, came amidst allegations that Duke influenced deals in the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and that a company owned by his wife Kimberly was owed outstanding money by the authority.

Speaking with Newsday, Eversley said he did not need to be a member of the PSA to understand the seriousness of the allegations and chastised the union's executive members for allowing Duke to remain as president amidst allegations of wrongdoing.

He also reminded the public that Duke was arrested and charged for rape in 2016 and questioned how he could be allowed to lead a trade union and political party, the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP).

"There are people in high office who we put trust in that have compromised the integrity of their office and are selling out the very workers they are supposed to represent, and we've been hearing a lot about conflict of interest as of late as some relatives of theirs benefit from million-dollar contracts.

"We are seeing a leader today like a madman attacking every single person, disrespecting women in the worst fashion, and attacking people that are standing up for themselves."

Eversley said it was unfortunate Duke was not being advised to act responsibly, and threatened to take his protest to Tobago if Duke failed to step down as head of the PSA.

Newsday spoke to PSA representative Christopher Roberts who accused Duke of mismanaging the union and its funds.

He said while there were members of the PSA who still needed convincing, the calls for Duke's resignation were gradually growing.

"I believe they are listening and starting to get brave in coming out. Our turnout today wasn't as large originally so members are starting to wake up and come on board with us.

"We are protesting and bringing out information, but we are also calling on members to withdraw their payments from going to the PSA. That is just the beginning, we're not going in steps with this lunatic and we believe if everyone withdraws their payments from the PSA, it won't be able to run on 200 members."

General council member Jennifer Frederick accused Duke of mismanaging the union's finances and said there has not been a review of expenditure since 2012.