News

UNI is heartened to hear of the appointment of the RRCB -Registration Recognition and Certification Board for Trade Unions of Trinidad and Tobago. As the global union for 20 million workers in 1000 unions worldwide, we had observed with dismay that the local RRCB had not been appointed/convened for the past year.

UNI strongly condemns this absence of the right to recognition that was denied to workers and their Trade Unions for over one year in Trinidad and Tobago. Along with our affiliates, BIGWU- Banking Insurance and General Workers Union, CWU- Communication Workers Union, TTPWU- Trinidad and Tobago Postal Workers Union and other local Unions we remain deeply concerned that workers in Trinidad and Tobago are not being granted the opportunity to enjoy the basic Trade Union right and freedom to be represented by the Union of their choice and therefore enable them to Bargain Collectively for their terms and conditions of work.

In addition, we remain concerned that workers’ rights are being denied due to the extensive and prolonged delays to gain recognition at the RRCB despite the full operation of the RRCB in the past. For instance, the delay in Recognition of our affiliate BIGWU as the RMU- Recognised Majority Union for the workers of RBC/RBTT Royal Bank of Canada in Trinidad and Tobago has been pending for almost 5 years. We understand Recognition claims have taken up to 10 years in the past. We are certain that officials in a position to effect change are familiar with the phrase “Justice delayed is justice denied”.

Trinidad and Tobago has ratified both ILO Conventions #87 and #98 which speak directly to the right to Organize and the right to Collectively Bargain. The RRCB of the past has consistently denied and /or delayed workers of Trinidad their full and prompt enjoyment of the rights enshrined in these Conventions and we are advised, also upheld in the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago.

We look forward to an expeditious recognition of BIGWU as the RMU for RBC workers and to knowing that the urgently required adjustments to the recognition process are being immediately implemented to ensure the fullest enjoyment of their rights by all workers of Trinidad and Tobago.

Throughout the Caribbean region, Recognition Laws and inherent procedures are significantly less cumbersome and recognition occurs between 30 and 90 days of the Claim. There exists many examples which may be adapted to your jurisdiction.

UNI strongly urges the Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, the Minister of Labour and the newly appointed Chair and members of the RRCB to ensure that this travesty of Trade Union justice is not allowed to continue.