TCL strike action having negative impact on economy – TTMA

TIMES INT'L

Strike action at Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) is crippling the operations of many of Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturing Association (TTMA) members operating in the construction sector and in construction-related activities, says the Association.

In a release yesterday, the TTMA said work stoppage at TCL’s Claxton Bay and Mayo facilities is negatively affecting productivity at member companies like Trinidad Aggregate Products (TAP), Alston’s Building Enterprises Limited (ABEL), Coosal’s Construction, Specialist Chemicals Limited (SCL), Precast Concrete Services Limited, Bonsal Caribbean and Pres-T-Con Limited, all of which depend on a steady supply of cement. “(These companies) employ thousands of people. As the strike continues for a ninth day, several of these companies are now facing a complete shutdown of operations as supplies of cement run low,” the release stated.

The TTMA is calling for an end to the strike as a matter of national importance—one which requires the intervention of the Labour Minister. “TCL, one of our valued members, is a vital component of this country’s non-energy manufacturing and construction sectors. TCL contributes to all aspects of the economy — employment, economic value added, and ultimately Gross Domestic Product. Prolonged industrial action at the company will therefore have deep and wide impact on this country’s economy,” said the Association.

The TTMA added that the industrial action will also cause several Government-led projects to be at risk of delays, cost overruns and job losses, especially as the construction sector is still reeling from the effects of the global recession in 2009.

The Association said it wrote to the Ministers of Labour, Trade, Works and Housing within days of the union’s announcement of their intention to strike, seeking their intervention in the ongoing dispute. It requests both sides to return to the bargaining table and resume negotiations, to facilitate a swift resolution of the impasse.

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