Strike at Trinidad port near resolution - union

12 November 2008 17:40  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--The labour strike that shut down Trinidad and Tobago's second-largest port on Tuesday appeared to be nearing a resolution, the head of the local union said on Wednesday.

Michael Annisette, head of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union, said the walkout at Point Lisas Industrial Estate was provoked by the port president's frequent use of profanity in salary negotiations.

"He has since apologised," Annisette said.

The president of Point Lisas, Roger Traboulay, could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

Negotiations that lasted all night Tuesday appeared to have settled the salary issue, but early Wednesday it was discovered that Point Lisas management intended to exclude cost-of-living allowances for the union, Annisette said.

"So we broke down on that," Annisette said. "But I am pretty optimistic that we should have a resolution...we are now trying to finish the negotiations."

Point Lisas Industrial Estate is located in Trinidad and Tobago’s petrochemical sector, according to the port’s website.

The estate is home to nearly 100 companies, including manufacturers of ammonia, urea, methanol, other petrochemicals and steel.

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By: Lane Kelley
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