Planning and the Economy Dr Bhoe Tewari is interested in meeting with OWTU Leader, Ancel Roget, to discuss demands outlined by the labour movement at last month's Labour Day celebrations in Fyzabad.
These include:
- The removal of 5% wage cap and settlement of all outstanding negotiations
- Disbanding and removal of the Inter-Ministerial Committee
- Placement of labour legislation high on Government's agenda
- Constitutional Reform and immediate implementation of the Labour Market Survey for TTUTA
- Commencement of a land use and Agriculture Policy
- Reinstatement of all displaced workers on account of the non-renewal of their contracts
- Restricting of the Project Implementation Unit and review of the National Youth Policy
Tewarie said on Wednesday he had a conversation with Roget last month to discuss these issues but so far Roget has been "unresponsive".
He has written to Roget seeking dialogue and expressing disappointment at the “confrontational position” adopted by Roget, with the threat of a general strike.
He has written to Roget seeking dialogue and expressing disappointment at the “confrontational position” adopted by Roget, with the threat of a general strike.
“What is the point?” Tewarie asked in his letter, which has been copied to the Prime Minister, Labour Minister Errol McLeod and 13 trade unions.
Tewari noted that at the Prime Minister’s request he spoke with Roget on Corpus Christi about the possibility of a meeting to discuss seven issues which Roget articulated as “demands.”
“At the end of that conversation, you had promised to get back to me. Unfortunately you have not, so far, kept your word. Indeed, I directed several phone calls to you and left messages but got no response,” Tewarie stated.
Tewarie's latter, dated July 5, 2011, said he is willing to begin dialogue on the concerns of the labour movement and noted, “Today I take note of the fact that you might not be interested in talking at all.”
Despite the lack on communication the minister has urged Roget and other labour leaders to “play a constructive partnership role” in the country’s development.
“I find it difficult to come up with a good reason why we should not meet and talk things through in order to advance our mutual interest in good relations and in our country’s progress.”
Tewarie expressed optimism that Government and the labour movement will be able to work together “for a common national purpose with the next step being a cordial, constructive meeting,” he said.
Tewari noted that at the Prime Minister’s request he spoke with Roget on Corpus Christi about the possibility of a meeting to discuss seven issues which Roget articulated as “demands.”
“At the end of that conversation, you had promised to get back to me. Unfortunately you have not, so far, kept your word. Indeed, I directed several phone calls to you and left messages but got no response,” Tewarie stated.
Tewarie's latter, dated July 5, 2011, said he is willing to begin dialogue on the concerns of the labour movement and noted, “Today I take note of the fact that you might not be interested in talking at all.”
Despite the lack on communication the minister has urged Roget and other labour leaders to “play a constructive partnership role” in the country’s development.
“I find it difficult to come up with a good reason why we should not meet and talk things through in order to advance our mutual interest in good relations and in our country’s progress.”
Tewarie expressed optimism that Government and the labour movement will be able to work together “for a common national purpose with the next step being a cordial, constructive meeting,” he said.
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