Warning
letters for protesting TOFCO workers
By Peter Christopher
Trinidad Express
Port
Spain
Petroleumworldtt.com
05 27 07
DAY eight of the Trinidad Offshore Fabricating Company (TOFCO) workers' protest
took a new turn yesterday, when the company sent out letters calling on workers
to return to their jobs.
Several workers burned the letters they received.
They had walked off the job in protest for improved
wages and better working conditions.
The
letter, signed by general manager Suresh Gangabissoon,
stated that on May 16 workers walked off the job "without
stating any cause for doing so".
"Without any cause? This is not the first
strike we have had. This is about the fourth strike
we have had," argued Negus Prout, spokesman
for the workers.
The
letter also stated that the company was willing
to continue negotiations with a representative
group for the workers, but only if they took up
duty and that the representative group "fully
represents" the interests of all departments.
It
warned, "Should you fail to resume work,
the company will be left with no alternative but
to conclude that you have abandoned your job and
will take immediate such action as we may be advised
appropriate to have our plant operational."
The company, which is situated in La Brea, is
involved in the construction of offshore oil rigs
and providing welding services to offshore platforms.
The workers were told the company hoped to meet
the representative committee at Paria Suites, La
Romaine, today.
Only security personnel were at the La Brea site
yesterday when the Express attempted to contact
company officials.
Trinidad
Express
Friday, May 25th 2007
Copyright
©2007 Trinidad Express. All Rights Reserved.
