The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT) has announced that it is “working diligently” to address the backlog of vessels and containers at the Port of Port of Spain, following recent industrial action by workers. In a brief statement, the PATT confirmed that “all operational services at the Port of Port of Spain have returned to normal workforce levels.”
However, the statement did not clarify whether the underlying issues that led to the industrial action have been resolved. Last week, port workers staged a walkout in protest of various concerns, including health and safety issues and stalled wage negotiations. Earlier this year, approximately 1,000 workers had also walked off the job, demanding that management address health and safety conditions and agree to a 12 percent wage increase.
As of now, the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU) has not issued a public response to the PATT’s announcement. The situation remains under close observation as stakeholders await further developments regarding the resolution of the workers’ concerns.
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) has warned consumers to be prepared for at least a one-month delay in retrieving goods after indicating that the disruptions have left manufacturers, exporters and traders frustrated over the expected two-to-three-week delays because of workers engaging in “sick-out” action.
It warned that if the situation is not addressed, it will lead to increased prices going into the Christmas and Carnival seasons.
“TTMA is asking for intervention by the relevant authorities, including senior port managers and the Government, to intervene and have the matter resolved in a timely manner, as well as consider the waiving of port rent and demurrage incurred by affected businesses,” it added.
Vice President of the Association of Trinidad and Tobago Hauliers Apollo Arjoon said while the reopening was a relief for consumers, he foresees challenges ahead.
“I would advise people to start bulk buying because what happened during the United States strike will trickle down into the Caribbean,” he added.
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