Headlines:
| Tanker drivers withdraw strike threat |
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| Wednesday, 13 August 2008 | |
The threat of a major strike no longer looms in the
petroleum distributive trade.Tanker drivers who are represented by the National Workers Union (NWU) on Wednesday afternoon called off plans to disrupt the delivery of petrol around the island to protest against the non-payment of outstanding monies. Energy Minister Clive Mullings summoned the representatives of the NWU and haulage contractors to an emergency meeting at his Ministry Wednesday afternoon. Earlier this week, more than 200 tanker drivers became restive and warned that haulage contractor will face strong action for reneging on a wage and fringe benefits contract signed earlier this year. NWU Vice President Granville Valentine told RJR News that the contractors have agreed to reinstate provisions for vacation and sick leave as well as standby allowances. "The agreement reached was that the drivers would be paid for their sick leave and vacation leave. They will also be paid for toll fees that they paid and the protracted period during which they were not paid for their services," said Mr. Valentine. Mr. Valentine said the intervention of the Minister was critical in staving off strike action in the petroleum distributive trade. He said arising out of the meeting, tanker drivers were hopeful of better industrial relations with haulage contractors. In the meantime, Energy Minister Clive Mullings says he is relieved that the threat of strike action by tanker drivers has been averted. The Minister says he expects haulage contractors to honour their obligations that are outlined in the wage agreement with tanker drivers. In a statement, Mr. Mullings said that all stakeholders should meet to iron out an agreement that is beneficial to all parties. |