CWU and Government Clash Over Disputed 10% TSTT Wage Offer

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath rejected the CWU’s claim that TSTT offered a 10% wage increase, saying no such offer was ever on the table and the Government would not be “bullied” by union pressure. The CWU says the increase was agreed at two meetings before being rejected by TSTT’s board and is seeking an investigation into the dispute.

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath dismissed Friday’s CWU protest over TSTT wages as political theatre, saying no 10 per cent increase was ever offered and the company must focus on financial sustainability. CWU Secretary General Joanne Ogeer rejected his comments as a “baseless diatribe,” deepening the dispute over talks at the telecoms company.

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath said government has not offered TSTT workers a 10% wage increase, despite claims from the Communication Workers Union. He said workers can protest, but negotiations must continue through the bargaining process and any deal must protect the company’s financial welfare.

CWU says it doubts TSTT will negotiate in good faith over unpaid wages and is urging Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to step in. Secretary general Joanne Ogeer questioned why a 10% wage deal was rejected despite TSTT reporting $214 million in profit, and warned workers could be “weaponised” as tensions rise.

CWU Secretary General Joanne Ogeer says the union will continue pressing TSTT for a 10% wage increase covering 2020-2025 and wants to meet directly with the Prime Minister, not Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath. She dismissed legal threats over her claims, saying workers deserve compensation as TSTT posts its highest profit in 17 years. The dispute could affect labour relations at the telecom company as negotiations resume on October 27.