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The Trinidad and Tobago’s Manufacturer’s Association (TTMA) is viewing the current impasse between the Government and labour that led to the shutdown of the port operations as an issue which requires immediate and urgent resolve. Around 1,000 workers stayed away from work for three and a half days to protest the Port Authority’s failure to meet and discuss a new collective agreement. In a release to the media yesterday the TTMA said the Supermarkets Association of Trinidad and Tobago, the Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA), the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce also support the TTMA’s position.

The TTMA stated that these organisations believe that the Port shutdown for three and a half days was not in the interest of the national economy and the competitiveness of the non-energy sector as it acts as a further hindrance to national development amidst a global economic situation that continues to be plagued by financial debt woes, and decline in demand from traditional export markets. The TTMA further stated that the business community has for many years championed a tripartite approach between Government, labour and the private sector and it reiterates its call for an urgent meeting with all stakeholders to address the inefficient systems in place at the port and to reach a national consensus with regards to issues like bureaucratic inefficiency, poor productivity and port congestion.

“It is imperative that a national consensus is developed on the way forward due to the vital role of the port to the financial well being of the country and the private sector stands willing to bring our expertise and knowledge to bar in these critical discussion.”

Source: World-Grain