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31st May 2004
LOCK-OUT ABOUT SMASHING UNION SAYS NUGFW
With Carib having already lost more than it would cost to settle the Union pay claim in full, the National Union of Government and Federated Workers says that this shows that the lock-out is about more than wages.
After only two meetings at the Ministry of Labour, Carib broke down the negotiations without even meeting the Union face to face.
The gap between the two sides was 5%. Carib had offered 12% and the Union had dropped their claim to 17%.
The key figures now released by the Union show:
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the gap between the two sides is 5% and for Carib to concede this in all four bargaining units involved would add $4.3 million to their annual wage bill.
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Every day of the lock-out Carib is losing at least $2 million.
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In 2002 ANSA McAL, the parent Company, made a massive $323 million profit before tax – and 2003 was even higher.
Carl. St. Rose, the President of the NUGFW Carib Section, said:
“It is quite clear that Carib have a bigger agenda than just fighting over wages. They are investing more than two million dollars a day in trying to smash the Union so that they can oppress workers inside this plant. This is primarily a major Union busting exercise which has nothing to do with wages.”
Amongst the demands being made by Carib are:
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That temporary workers should remain temporary forever. At the moment the Collective Agreement limits this to 60 days and then have to become permanent.
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Keeping disciplinary records on file forever. At the moment they are deleted after 6 months.
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At the moment the Grievance Procedure limits the number of Union Officials representing a worker for four (4). Carib wants to dictate how many Union Officers should represent a worker.
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The number of Shop Stewards the Union elects is determined by the Union Branch and the Union Rules. Carib wants to intervene in the internal affairs of the Union by dictating how many Shop Stewards the Union can have.
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Carib wants time-off for Union business to be without pay. The Collective Agreement says that time-off is with pay. The management gets paid for representing the employer – but they want Union representatives to have no pay when representing workers.
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Carib only want to give paid time off for four (4) Union officers during negotiations. This is a direct interference in the ability of the Union to represent its members effectively.
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Carib want to only pay for two (2) Union officers to attend meetings at the Ministry of Labour or Industrial Court. Again, a direct attack on the ability of the Union to represent its members. All the management attending the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Court are always on full pay from their employer.
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Carib wants to reduce the time allowed for study leave. So much for Vision 2020 and an educated workforce!
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The Collective Agreement provides for workers participation in the affairs of the Carib. The employers want this out. The message is simple: they want the Union out of Carib.
Carl St. Rose added:
“This is the real agenda for this lock-out. It's not about wages. It's about reducing the ability of the Union to effectively represent its members. Carib are investing over $2 million a day in this lockout. They will want to get their money back in future years. If they win this lock-out we are in for a very difficult time inside this plant.”
END
Fact
note for Editors:
The
lockout involves four (4) bargaining units in two Companies. The two Companies
are Carib Glassworks Limited and the Caribbean Development Company. Each Company
has a monthly paid and weekly paid bargaining unit. Carib has locked-out all
four bargaining units.