Unions free to further their interests but must act within law: PM Kamla

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Saturday trade unions are free to march and further their interests. However she said they must act within the laws of the country.

“This is a democracy and I have nothing against them using the law to take such action as they see fit,” Persad Bissessar said in San Fernando at the start of her annual Christmas toy giving drive.

The Prime Minister was responding to Friday's march in Port of Spain by hundreds of workers and leaders of trade unions.

They called on workers to continue their action. OWTU President General Ancel threatened to shut down the country. 

“Woman or no woman, you have to do your work...If you can’t do the job, get out! And if you don’t want to get out, we will provide the medium to ensure that happens.”

President of the Banking Insurance and General Workers’ Union, Vincent Cabrera, said, “We want to tell all of them that it is the labour movement who will determine who wins the next general election in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Persad-Bissessar said she has doubts the unions can carry out their threat. “I am not of the view that the country would be shut down, but the unions are entitled to act within the law to further their interests."