PM, Unions hold "productive" talks, but labour agitation will continue

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar met Tuesday with representatives from 16 trade unions to discuss the current labour unrest caused by uncertainties over wage negotiations.

Following the one-hour meeting, spokesman for the group Anceil Roget said the unions are encouraged but "cautious" about developments.

The president of Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) said the parties did not discuss specific wage negotiations. However they agreed that there is a need for a fresh start to the collective bargaining process.

Roget said this does not mean that trade unions would end their agitation. He said the unions are encouraged to learn that there could be some "flexibility" at the bargaining table.
 
Persad-Bissessar told reporters she too found "common ground", describing the talks as "productive". The PM said she suggested that a meeting be held among labour, the business sector and the Government to further discuss the issue.