LOCAL NEWS

 

 

T.U.C CALLS ON WORKERS TO SUPPORT SOLIDARITY FUND

The Grenada Trades Union Council is calling upon workers to support a solidarity fund being established in support of workers at the Grenada Breweries Limited (GBL) who are represented by the Technical and Allied Workers' Union (TAWU).

Council President, Madonna Harford explained on Tuesday that this is meant to assist the GBL workers who continue to be locked out, and are not currently receiving salaries. Workers and the general public are being asked to make a $20 contribution to the TUC's account (102504) established at the Republic Bank. Donations will be accepted for as long as necessary.

Other fund raising activities are also being planned, including a cake sale.

Harford is anxious to see a resolution to the labour dispute in light of the impact that the lockout is having on the workers -- many of whom have children to send to school and mortgages to pay. Both parties are still deadlocked in negotiations, and scheduled to return to the table on Thursday. As such, both Harford and the TUC's public relations officer, Ray Roberts declined to comment on the negotiations in compliance with a request from the Government of Grenada.

Workers and the general public are also being called upon to show solidarity on Friday, which has been designated as Solidarity Day. This may be done by wearing something red, including arm bands. Harford also told the media that, "If we fail to show to show solidarity, we will be fragmented."

And, when asked about her predictions for the 2012 industrial climate? "The year 2012 will be a challenging one.)...As long as the workers have grievances, you may find the industrial relations climate could (I wouldn't say very active), but at least you would find workers taking some form of protest. Maybe if there is a need to strike, but the strike has to be the last lot.....they have a right to do whatever they have to do."

According to Roberts, "This is the first time that I have seen a dispute that has lasted this long." He also explained that support has come from other unions around the region, including Trinidad and Barbados.

"I don't think workers will be unreasonable," said Roberts. "What the news media sometimes forgets to tell the wider public is that some of our unions have conceded. One union has gone back to 2007 salaries while another went back to 2008 salaries --- and it's all designed to help the employers."