September 22, 2016: The Honourable Dr. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, met with representatives of the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) and the National Trade Union Centre of Trinidad and Tobago (NATUC) on Wednesday 21st September, 2016 at the Office of the Prime Minister, St. Clair.
Also in attendance were the Honourable Camille RobinsonRegis, Minister of Planning and Development and Senator the Honourable Jennifer BaptistePrimus, Minister of Labour and Small Enterprise Development.
During the meeting with JTUM, items discussed included the Government’s consideration of the Labour Economic Alternative Plan (LEAP), the prioritisation of labour legislation, representation on state boards and the issue of back-pay. In a subsequent meeting, Prime Minister Rowley also addressed outstanding back-pay and pension arrangements for daily paid workers with representatives of NATUC. Prime Minister Rowley noted that the unions’ concerns were all quite valid and shared the view that avoiding job loss as far as possible, is of utmost importance.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to convey a more detailed assessment of the present economic circumstances facing Trinidad and Tobago as well as initiatives to preserve jobs and keep the nation’s economy on a stable footing in light of these challenges.
Dr. Rowley expressed the Government’s determination to avoid resorting to the intervention of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and its accompanying harsh measures which negatively impact the lives of citizens.
Prime Minister Rowley greets the President of NATUC, Mr. James Lambert. Looking on are the Honourable Camille Robinson-Regis, Minister of Planning and Development (2nd from left) and Senator the Honourable Jennifer Baptiste-Primus, Minister of Labour and Small Enterprise Development (left).
Prime Minister Rowley during the meeting with representatives of the National Trade Union Centre of Trinidad and Tobago (NATUC) including (from left) Mr. James Lambert – President, Mr. Roland Sutherland - 2nd Vice President, Mr. Norvan Maharaj – 3rd Vice President, Mr. Aynsley Matthews – 4th Vice President, Mr. Micheal Annisette – General Secretary, Mr. Rajindra Mohan - Assistant Secretary, Ms. Judy Charles – Deputy General Secretary, Mr. Christopher Streete – Treasurer, Ms. Ermine De Bique – Trustee and Ms. Shalene Suchit-Dwarika.
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