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Friday, December 9, 2011
Union signs new Collective Agreement
The All Trinidad General Workers Trade Union (ATGWTU) and Seereeram Brothers Limited have completed a three-year new Collective Agreement.
The Agreement is for the period June 1st 2011 to May 31st 2014 with a 5% increase each year.
A statement from the Union said the workers will get: "A 15% wage increase plus consolidation of COLA at 60 cents, a new COLA of 20 cents per hour and increases in other areas."
The Union team was headed by Mr. John Jaglal while Mr. Joseph Maingot represented Seereeram Brothers Limited.
Link : http://www.ctntworld.com/LocalArticles.aspx?id=36168
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Call to Govt to expedite lands to ex-Caroni workers
By Richardson Dhalai Saturday, November 5 2011
Nine years following the closure of Caroni Limited, the All Trinidad General Workers’ Trade Union, (ATGWTU), has called on the Ministry of Food Production to expedite the distribution of one lot of residential lands to ex-Caroni workers.
In a media statement Thursday, ATGWTU ag president general, John Jaglal, expressed concern over the delay in the land distribution saying a number of ex-employees have already paid for their residential lots.
“The Union is also concerned about the Government’s delay to begin the process of distribution of the one lot of residential purpose taking into consideration that approximately nine years have passed since the closure of Caroni (1975) Limited some of the employees have already paid in full for the said lots,” Jaglal stated.
“In the circumstances, we call on the Minister to make a public pronouncement as it relates to the distribution process of the said one lot,” he added.
Meanwhile, the union has noted that an extension has been granted by the Ministry for an extension to former Caroni employees to apply for the two-acre plots of agricultural lands which had been included in their VSEP package.
“In a letter from the Ministry, signed by the permanent secretary, Ms Edwina Leacock, this extension has been granted until December 31, 2011. The letter further stated that only approximately 25 percent of applicants have had their applications processed to completion,” the Union stated.
“In view of the above, the Union is calling on all members and other ex-employees to apply for, fulfil their requirements and complete the process to obtain their leases,” the Union concluded.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
H.E.A.L. 's Chaitram Kapoor Rampersad receives National Award
Article : http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/_Mom_rescued__car_thieves_flee-129201098.html
Also receiving a Humming Bird Medal (Bronze) was community and social activist Chaitram Kapoor Rampersad who is the co-ordinator of HEAL—a drug rehabilitation centre at Couva.
Rampersad said he has dedicated the last 38 years of his life to community service.
He is one of the founding members of HEAL which has been in existence since 1990.
"It was a joint venture programme between Caroni (1975) Ltd and the All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers' Trade Union," Rampersad said.
"At that time there were a lot of drug-related and alcohol-related incidents in Caroni so the union and the company came together to come up with a solution to the problem.
There was no industrial policy that would assist workers who were found under the influence and had incidents of drug and alcohol related accidents and so on. They used to be fired and suspended. So we decided to create a programme that would assist the employees instead of them being suspended or fired."
Rampersad said the programme was heavily subscribed and very soon even members of the community, who were not employed at Caroni, started showing up at the centre.
"At that time, from the banks of the Caroni River right down to South, there were no rehabilitation centres. There were no facilities to treat alcoholics and drug addicts. So because of the need, we had to extend the services to the rest of the national community."
To date, we have had more than 2,000 clients pass through the residential programme while approximately 700 to 1,000 clients have been enrolled in the outpatient programme."
Rampersad said the nongovernmental organisation, at Milton Road, Milton Village, Couva, receives an annual subvention from Government but he says it is woefully inadequate.
"The building we are using is one of Caroni's old bungalows which is almost 100 years old. The building is in great need of expansion and repairs."
Rampersad said the award he received is a tribute to all the men and women who continue to work in the field of drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Speedy burial for ex-union leader
By Keino Swamber South Bureau
Story Created: Jul 11, 2011 at 11:40 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jul 11, 2011 at 11:40 PM ECT
HOURS after he passed away early yesterday morning, former trade union leader Boysie Moore Jones was laid to rest.
Moore-Jones served as president general of the All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers' Trade Union (ATSGWTU) from 1995, when then leader Basdeo Panday became prime minister, to 1999.
Less than one month ago, 74-year-old Moore Jones was honoured by the Ministry of Labour and Cipriani College for his contribution to trade unionism.
Curtis Khan, Moore-Jones's eldest son, told the Express his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 12 years ago and underwent open-heart surgery about six years ago. He was also diabetic and suffered with hypertension.
Following a viewing of the body at the family's home at Diamond Village, Moore Jones's body was taken to the nearby mosque where he worshipped.
In attendance were Labour Minister and former president of the OWTU, Errol Mc Leod; Minister in the Ministry of Local Government, Rudranath Indarsingh, who succeeded Moore-Jones as president of the ATSGWTU; Vincent Cabrera, president of the Banking, Insurance and General Workers Union (BIGWU), and Panday.
Indarsingh said Moore Jones played an important role in his development as a trade unionist.
"While I am saddened, I take great comfort in knowing that Boysie Moore Jones made a great contribution in transforming the lives of thousands of citizens of this country and in improving their quality of life and their standard of living," he said.
McLeod said Moore Jones, although small in stature, stood tall among men in the struggle for peace, bread and justice.
Cabrera described Moore Jones as "very unassuming" and "one of the most effective trade unionists I knew. He was very quiet but he got the job done".
Moore Jones leaves to mourn his wife, Rosa Moore-Jones, and sons Curtis, Chris and Cliff Khan. He was buried at the Diamond Village cemetery.
Link : http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Speedy_burial_for_ex-union_leader-125392948.html
Story Created: Jul 11, 2011 at 11:40 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jul 11, 2011 at 11:40 PM ECT
HOURS after he passed away early yesterday morning, former trade union leader Boysie Moore Jones was laid to rest.
Moore-Jones served as president general of the All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers' Trade Union (ATSGWTU) from 1995, when then leader Basdeo Panday became prime minister, to 1999.
Less than one month ago, 74-year-old Moore Jones was honoured by the Ministry of Labour and Cipriani College for his contribution to trade unionism.
Curtis Khan, Moore-Jones's eldest son, told the Express his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 12 years ago and underwent open-heart surgery about six years ago. He was also diabetic and suffered with hypertension.
Following a viewing of the body at the family's home at Diamond Village, Moore Jones's body was taken to the nearby mosque where he worshipped.
In attendance were Labour Minister and former president of the OWTU, Errol Mc Leod; Minister in the Ministry of Local Government, Rudranath Indarsingh, who succeeded Moore-Jones as president of the ATSGWTU; Vincent Cabrera, president of the Banking, Insurance and General Workers Union (BIGWU), and Panday.
Indarsingh said Moore Jones played an important role in his development as a trade unionist.
"While I am saddened, I take great comfort in knowing that Boysie Moore Jones made a great contribution in transforming the lives of thousands of citizens of this country and in improving their quality of life and their standard of living," he said.
McLeod said Moore Jones, although small in stature, stood tall among men in the struggle for peace, bread and justice.
Cabrera described Moore Jones as "very unassuming" and "one of the most effective trade unionists I knew. He was very quiet but he got the job done".
Moore Jones leaves to mourn his wife, Rosa Moore-Jones, and sons Curtis, Chris and Cliff Khan. He was buried at the Diamond Village cemetery.
Link : http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Speedy_burial_for_ex-union_leader-125392948.html
Trade Union mourns loss of former President General
The leadership and members of the All Trinidad General Workers Trade Union are expressing sadness at the death of its former President General, Boysie Moore Jones.
Mr Jones died a few days ago and was laid to rest on Monday afternoon.
In a statement, the trade union celebrated his commitment and dedication and said he would be remembered as a tireless individual who was always ready to articulate and defend the interests and rights of the working class.
Mr Moore was described as an astute leader who earned the respect and admiration of his local, regional and international union colleagues.
He worked his way up through the ranks and served as Acting President General following the UNC's victory at the polls in 1995, when then President General, Basdeo Panday, became Prime Minister.
Mr Jones was elected President General upon the expiration of Mr Panday's term and held the position until his retirement at age 65.
Mr Jones died a few days ago and was laid to rest on Monday afternoon.
In a statement, the trade union celebrated his commitment and dedication and said he would be remembered as a tireless individual who was always ready to articulate and defend the interests and rights of the working class.
Mr Moore was described as an astute leader who earned the respect and admiration of his local, regional and international union colleagues.
He worked his way up through the ranks and served as Acting President General following the UNC's victory at the polls in 1995, when then President General, Basdeo Panday, became Prime Minister.
Mr Jones was elected President General upon the expiration of Mr Panday's term and held the position until his retirement at age 65.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Labour Day Awards 2011
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| Boysie Moore-Jones & John Jaglal |
The Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development held their inaugural Labour Day Awards Function at the CLR James Auditorium, Valsayn Campus on Monday 27th June 2011.
This was part of the Ministry’s month long celebration of workers’ rights and the impact of the trade union movement. The theme of the celebrations was: “A Worker without Rights is like a worker without tools. Know your Rights; It’s your Responsibility.”
Recipients were chosen from a select group of individuals who, because of their innovative and visionary leadership, contributed greatly to the continuous struggle of the working class for equality and social justice.
The list of awardees also represented persons from a wide cross section of Trinidad and Tobago’s economy whose leadership and superior organizational/negotiation skills within their respective fields have been exemplary. Amongst them were individuals representing the Agricultural, Manufacturing and Technology, Education, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Tourism and Financial sectors of the economy.
In his address, the Honourable Errol Mc Leod, Minister of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development, commenting on the exemplary work and contributions of the honorees reflected on the fact that “It was the groundwork and persistence of ordinary men and women that continue to regenerate itself
in the aspirations of our present-day countrymen and women like you. He also commended the awardees for their selfless contributions by emphasizing that “In your own unique ways, you possess the essence of nobility of spirit that inspired you to strive for excellence and defy injustice without seeking selfish gain”.
The Minister’s sentiments were also echoed in the introductory remarks of the Director of Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies, Dr. Ian SakuraLemessy who stated that “It is often said that a measure of a nation’s maturity is the degree to which that society exhibits an element of gratitude particularly in acknowledging those individuals who either by their capacity to lead, their ingenuity, or some other unique quality have distinguished themselves by virtue of their contributions to the betterment of others.”
In her own inimitable style, songstress Ella Andall brought the curtain down on
the proceedings by delivering several renditions from her expansive repertoire; all
in keeping with the theme of the awards function.
Inaugural Labour Day Awards Winners:
Special Award - Ms. Thelma Williams
Beryl Yearwood Award - (Co-operatives)- Mr. William Guadeloupe
Noel Bowen Award (Co-operatives)- Mr. Trevor Alleyne
CLR James Award (Labour Education)-Dr. Roosevelt Williams;
Uriah Butler Award (Contribution to the Labour Movement) - Mr. Owen Hinds (posthumously)
Cola Rienzi Awards (Contribution to the Labour Movement) - Mr. Boysie Moore-Jones
Elma Francois Award - (Contribution to the Labour Movement) - Ms. Clotil Walcott (posthumously)
Link : http://cclcs.edu.tt/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/CIPRI-Vol-4-Issue-1.pdf
Thursday, May 5, 2011
ATGWTU settles for 5% in 2 agreements
From : http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/ATGWTU_settles_for_5__in_2_agreements-121363669.html
By
Camille Bethel
camille.bethel@trinidadexpress.com
By
Camille Bethel
camille.bethel@trinidadexpress.com
The All Trinidad General Workers' Trade Union (ATGWTU), like the
Public Services Association (PSA), has acceded to a five per cent wage
increase from the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO).
On Tuesday the union signed off on two separate collective agreements for terms and conditions for monthly and daily rated employees with the CPO Stephanie Lewis.
A release from the office of the CPO states: "The agreements make provision for a five per cent increase in salaries and wages, after the consolidation of the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) payable to employees at December 3, 2007, that is $125 per month in the case of the monthly paid employees and $4 per day in the case of the daily rated employees."
The release also states that employees who worked over the entire period of the agreement, January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010, will also received a lump sum payment of $3,000.
Acting union president John Jaglal said yesterday he was "happy and satisfied that both staff and daily paid workers gave us a mandate to sign and come to an agreement with management and we have fulfilled this mandate and we now go forward for the new agreement for the next three years".
He said some 70 workers will benefit from the settlement.
Minister in the Ministry of Labour and former leader of the union, Rudranath Indarsingh, on Wednesday commented on the settlement made with the employees at the Sugar Cane Feed Centre, in Longdenville.
"Having started the negotiations, so I am very happy that the union, having dialogue with the management and the CPO, could come to an agreement in the interest of the whole collective bargaining process," he said.
On Tuesday the union signed off on two separate collective agreements for terms and conditions for monthly and daily rated employees with the CPO Stephanie Lewis.
A release from the office of the CPO states: "The agreements make provision for a five per cent increase in salaries and wages, after the consolidation of the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) payable to employees at December 3, 2007, that is $125 per month in the case of the monthly paid employees and $4 per day in the case of the daily rated employees."
The release also states that employees who worked over the entire period of the agreement, January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010, will also received a lump sum payment of $3,000.
Acting union president John Jaglal said yesterday he was "happy and satisfied that both staff and daily paid workers gave us a mandate to sign and come to an agreement with management and we have fulfilled this mandate and we now go forward for the new agreement for the next three years".
He said some 70 workers will benefit from the settlement.
Minister in the Ministry of Labour and former leader of the union, Rudranath Indarsingh, on Wednesday commented on the settlement made with the employees at the Sugar Cane Feed Centre, in Longdenville.
"Having started the negotiations, so I am very happy that the union, having dialogue with the management and the CPO, could come to an agreement in the interest of the whole collective bargaining process," he said.
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