Wednesday, February 2, 2011

PSA boss threatens to shut down $7.2B highway project


The President of the Public Services Association issued a threat on Tuesday to shut down the $7.2 billion highway extension from San Fernando to Point Fortin.

It's not the first that that Watson Duke has made threats against the government. He is on record as saying "we have weapons of mass destruction" without explaining exactly what he meant by the comment.

Duke is upset that the government is investing $7.2 billion to build the 47 km highway while it is not settling wage claims for members of his association. He spoke at a new conference at his St Vincent Street, Port of Spain, office following a meeting with Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Stephanie Lewis.

"As long as the highway remains a priority over and above public servants there will be a fight in this country, because we are fighting for what is needed. If we have to go down there and use our bodies to stop the machines from operating we will do it," Duke said.

"It is the largest project of the People's Partnership and we have done the math. To pay us exactly what we want will cost just $700 million a year," he said

Duke plans to lead a march to the Diplomatic Centre on Thursday to protest the planned extension of the highway.

"We are calling out the PSA troops to assemble at the financial complex and we will be walking to where they are keeping the Cabinet meeting, because we have heard that at that Cabinet meeting they will be passing the note that will give license to the employment of that Brazilian contractor," he said.

Related story: Jack calls Imbert "foolishness personified"; sets record right on award of highway contract
 
The union is scheduled to meet the CPO on March 1 for another round of negotiations.

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Jai & Sero

Jai & Sero

Our family at home in Toronto 2008

Our family at home in Toronto 2008
Amit, Heather, Fuzz, Aj, Jiv, Shiva, Rampa, Sero, Jai