The labour movement in Trinidad and Tobago blames the government for the plight of Chinese workers who staged a public demonstration earlier this week to draw attention to problem they face.The Federation of Independent Trade Unions and Non-Governmental Organisations (FITUN) has described the alleged mistreatment of the immigrant workers as "modern day slavery" and says Government must take full responsibility.
FITUN President David Abdulah told the Trinidad Express Wednesday his organization had complained about the problem as far back as 2007 and had written to then Labour Minister Danny Montano about it.
He said the letter asked Montano to launch an urgent investigation into practices and conditions regarding Chinese workers. He said the minister replied to say the ministry's investigation showed that the concerns were not valid.
Abdullah said, "As is clear, our concerns were not only valid but correct."
About 85 Chinese workers stopped work on Tuesday and staged a protest at the Uriah Butler Highway to draw attention to what they said was the refusal of their employer to pay them for two months. They also said they faced inhumane working and living conditions.
Their employers denied the charges and said the workers in question asked to return home ahead of the completion of their contracts and therefore security deposits lodged with the Beijing Luijuan Construction Corporation would be confiscated.
Read the story: Chinese workers stage protest...
Abdullah also suggested that foreign labour is not necessary. He said FITUN's research shows that most of jobs that the foreign workers undertake could be done by nationals.
He said labour's view is that the importation of labour represents a violation of the work permit legislation in the country.
"UDeCOTT must be forced to terminate these contracts and other Government ministries or agencies that have also employed Chinese firms," he said.
Abdullah's views were shared by the National Trade Union Centre. In a news release general secretary Vincent Cabrera also said Government, the labour movement, employers and the society can no longer turn a blind eye to the plight of immigrant labour in Trinidad and Tobago.
He condemned what he called the "sub-standard treatment" of Chinese workers. He called on Government to establish a tripartite body to monitor importation of labour into the country and noted that NATUC has taken on the responsibility to speak for the workers.
"Furthermore, it is a burning shame and disgrace that Chinese labourers were forced to protest their ill treatment only to be arrested and taken away to an unknown location. This represents a blot on the international profile of Trinidad and Tobago," Cabrera said.
President of Transport and Industrial Workers' Union (TIWU) Roland Sutherland also added his voice to the issue saying his union is appalled by the treatment of the workers and that riot police were summoned to "terrorise and intimidate them for claiming their entitlement".
He questioned whether the alleged treatment of the workers was a return to indentureship and demanded government intervention "in a firm manner to stop this blatant exploitation of labour" and to ensure these workers receive their entitlements, and to review all contractors with Chinese firms.
President of the Oilfields Workers' Trade Union, Ancel Roget, who visited the Chinese workers at their temporary quarters said the men don't deserve this type of treatment and pledged to raise the matter with the labour minister.
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