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These events highlight the unacceptably protracted state of negotiations for new Collective Agreements occurring with the Branch/Units of the CWU.



In his address to members, Union President stresed the importance of the local Telecom Company TSTT ,remaining a majority State owned Enterprise with at least some profits remaining in Trinidad and Tobago. He also noted that Cable and Wireless, 49% shareholder in TSTT ,has almost completely taken over controlling interest in Caribbean Telecommunications companies, much to the detriment of workers jobs security and working conditions regionally.



Bro. Remy also cited the recent move by the Government to initiate legislation permitting the "granting of police powers" to army officers, to be a serious cause for concern for the Trade Union Movement and citizens alike which should be viewed with utmost caution and skepticism as it is deemed to be quite unnecessary and will not positively impact the worsening crime situation existing in the country.



This vociferous protest occurred at the Friday session of the sitting of the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament at the Port of Spain Waterfront area outside the Office of Labour Minister. There was a “a full rhythm section" keeping the beat with pulsing drums for the rendition of many of our traditional Union protest lyrics.



CWU General Secretary- John Julien as well as OWTU President- Ancel Roget also addressed workers on outstanding workers issues at Hilton Hotel and recent injunctions against workers by Petrotrin.



The protest /demonstration involved many Port of Spain workers who joined during their lunch breaks and included members of the TSTT, RBP Lifts and Hilton Hotel with a strong showing of support from the JTUM -Joint Trade Union Movement, including the energy based OWTU in blue and BIGWU, our UNI Finance and Banking affiliate in red. UNI CSC local Coordinator also added the UNI flag to the array.