The Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TSTT) says it has come to an agreement with the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) that will see the telecommunications company continue with its restructuring exercise without delay.
In a media release, the company says under the terms of the agreement, TSTT will reissue the notices of retrenchment to the 376 unionised workers on May 31st, but with the last date of employment being July 15th, 2022, instead of June 1st, 2022.
TSTT previously used the June 1st date because the company’s Collective Agreement allowed for separated employees to leave immediately and receive payment in lieu of the statutory 45 days’ notice.
On May 31st, TSTT issued notices of retrenchment to 403 of its unionised employees advising them that their services were surplus to the needs of the restructured organisation. Retrenchment notices were also issued to 65 of TSTT’s management staff.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Communication Workers Union, Clyde Elder, says there is no agreement or acceptance by the union of the retrenchment of 376 of its members by TSTT.
At a media conference at the CWU’s Headquarters on Henry Street on Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Elder said the union was successful and victorious in getting the 45 days notice “consent order.” Mr. Elder said in accordance with Section 8 of the Retrenchment and Severance Benefit Act, the CWU has sent an objection letter to TSTT and the Ministry of Labour outlining 10 grounds on which the union rejects and disagrees with any retrenchment of members of the bargaining unit.