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CCNTV6
  • 5 months ago
There was a delay at the Container Examination Station at the Port of Port of Spain on Friday morning, causing some frustration for Hauliers.

According to the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Union, the issue was caused by workers taking action due to some concerns they have. But for now, it has been mitigated.

Alicia Boucher tells us more.
Transcript
00:00An absence of ancillary staff today slowed operations at a cessation at the Port of Spain port.
00:06There was a delay in Holiers getting their containers examined,
00:09as the absent staff included forklift drivers to remove the cargo from containers
00:14and clean up operators who are needed after cargo is examined.
00:18But President of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union Michael Anaset says
00:22the disruption was short-lived.
00:24I got some reports from the port authorities saying that there was a backup.
00:30I intimated to them that the work is in progress.
00:35And at about within the last half an hour,
00:39I got a report advising that they were able to address the containers
00:44that were selected to be examined by customers.
00:48While he is awaiting an official report, he tells us management was able to reason with workers.
00:53He would have advised them that he would take their concerns,
00:59he would listen to their concerns,
01:02and he would set a beating with them next week to address any concerns that they may have.
01:08I am advised that one of the issues that they were raising was the question of increasing wages.
01:15The SWW-TU states that they are still working for the same fees that were paid in 1995.
01:21But Anaset states that a new policy implemented by Customs and Excise will also result in some delay.
01:28Customs, which is their right, the Sodo, have instituted 100 percent examinations
01:36It means every piece of cargo must be taken off the container to be examined.
01:51We are told about eight hauliers were unable to have their containers loaded
01:54because the station had closed off.
01:57However, they were allowed to park their vehicles at the port overnight.
02:01Anaset says the SWW-TU, which was in a public-private partnership at the SES,
02:07is no longer part of those operations.
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