PRESS RELEASE - Employees of the Water & Sewerage Co. Ltd. (WASCO) and the Windward Island Packaging Co. Ltd. (WINERA) both branches of the National Workers Union (NWU) have come out in full support with workers employed with the National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
According to a reliable source, workers employed with the NIC at operational units in Vieux Fort, Soufriere, Rodney Bay and Castries reported sick today Monday December 1, 2014. The workers’ action disrupted the services of the NIC at all its operational bases.
The National Workers Union which is the bargaining representative for the employees recently met with the Management of the NIC to continue Negotiations. Early in the discussions, Mr. Victor Poyotte could not agree with the trend and decided to walk out of the meeting causing an abrupt end to the proceedings. The National Workers Union brought the matter to the attention of the Ministry of Labour.
A general meeting was subsequently held for the employees at which they were fully informed of the developments. The workers instructed the Leadership of the NWU to convey their disgust to the Chairman of the NIC as they interpreted Mr. Victor Poyotte’s walk out of the meeting as being disrespectful.
The NWU is requesting an immediate return to the negotiating table with the objective of ending the protracted negotiations.