The Contractors and General Workers Trade Union (CGWTU) has issued a formal demand for immediate clarity and accountability regarding protracted delays in implementing wage increases and arrears for daily-rated workers at the San Fernando City Corporation. Union President General Ermine De Bique Meade characterized the ongoing postponements as completely unacceptable in a December 3rd statement.
The dispute centers on collective agreements signed back on April 24th covering the periods 2014-2016 and 2017-2019. According to the union, the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) provided firm assurances that new wage rates would be implemented by August with outstanding arrears settled before Christmas. Neither commitment has been fulfilled to date.
The CPO’s explanations for the delay have evolved over time, initially citing administrative transition issues, then awaiting the national budget, and finally claiming no directive had been issued by the Finance Minister even after budget delivery. The union condemns these shifting justifications as a pattern of systematic delay and excuses that has left workers in financial limbo.
Complicating matters further, the San Fernando City Corporation allegedly never received signed agreements or implementation instructions from the CPO’s office. The union itself had to provide these documents to the corporation’s CEO just four weeks ago.
The situation highlights apparent disparities in treatment between worker groups. While the Public Services Association (PSA) secured a ten percent increase with expedited processing on December 2nd, CGWTU-represented workers continue waiting for resolutions dating back over a decade. President Meade emphasized this contrast, noting her union’s outstanding agreements significantly predate those of other labor groups currently negotiating for the 2020-2022 period.
The union specifically referenced the Finance Minister’s own budget presentation pledge to ratify April-signed agreements for various public sector groups including both Port of Spain and San Fernando City Corporations. Workers now await concrete action matching these political assurances.