The National Workers Union (NWU) says its members feel a sense of utmost frustration and growing impatience regarding the long-standing and critical issues facing the dedicated officers of the Port Security Corps. 

The NWU, in a statement, highlight what it considered the continued lack of response from the Transport Minister Daryl Vaz, who has responsibility for the group.  

Since an initial June 30 communication, the NWU further contended that there has been no response from the minister and warned it could not wholly confirm normalcy sans meeting.

“We have exhausted all options with management at the local level.  The dedicated workers at port security have reached their limit.  The deafening silence from the minister has added insult to injury.  If things continue as they are, with the increasing disgruntlement of the workers, the NWU cannot guarantee normalcy,” the organisation added.

Continuing, the service corps has outlined members’ grievances, which have thus far gone unattended, are as follows:

1. 4 per cent increase for 2021-2022: The NWU has repeatedly requested a justifiable four per cent increase in wages, which has been consistently disregarded by the company.

2. One-off payment of $40,000.00: Workers have patiently waited for the promised one-off payment, which has not been disbursed as agreed upon.

3. Non-inclusion in recent compensation review: The exclusion of our members from the recent compensation review is both unfair and unjust, and we demand immediate rectification.

4. Outstanding overtime payments: Officers have diligently put in extra hours to ensure the security of our nation’s ports. It is unacceptable that their overtime payments have not been met promptly.

5. Laundry allowance: Workers deserve a basic laundry allowance that reflects their dedication and the physical demands of their roles.

6. Outstanding meal allowance: The delay in disbursing meal allowances adds to the financial burdens members face.

7. Deplorable state of changing rooms: Unsanitary and unsafe working conditions, particularly in the changing rooms, require immediate attention.

8. Understaffing leading to overwork: The company’s continued understaffing not only endangers our members’ well-being but also compromises port security.

9. Reduction of work hours without consultation: The arbitrary reduction of work hours without union consultation is a violation of workers’ rights and must be addressed.

10. Workers suspended and not called back: The suspension of workers without appropriate cause and their subsequent non-reinstatement is a clear injustice that cannot be tolerated.

11. Transfer of union delegate without consultation: The transfer of our union delegate without prior consultation is a direct attack on the workers’ right to representation and must be reversed.