The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) applauds the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago in its decision to drop the ‘contempt of court’ case against the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Gabriel Faria, Frank Mouttet and Derek Ali.
We call on the Court to go one step further, and instruct JTUM to reimburse all costs incurred by the parties, as it was their failure to present evidence and arguments, despite repeated requests from the Court, that led to this outcome.
As we go forward, it is recommended that the Court seek to implement policies to prevent this type of incident from happening again, especially in a case when there is a complete lack of substance in the accusations being made. Arbitrary and unsubstantiated ‘attacks’ on those who share their opinions, should never be tolerated.
This experience has been an extremely trying one for the business community, as we have felt that a fundamental right - the freedom of speech - was eroded by the actions of the Union. Constructive tripartite consultations are the right mechanism for the improvement of our industrial relations legislation and environment, and we commit to working with all parties to build a more just and balanced system.