On the eve of plans by trade unions to demonstrate under the theme “No Work Day” on Tuesday for an increase salaries and better working conditions, top government officials warned that the protestors could be jailed and fined.
The Trinidad Express newspaper reported that Finance Minister Winston Dookeran, flanked by Public Administration Minister Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam and Housing Minister Roodal Moonilall, warned public servants that they were prohibited under the Industrial Relations Act 89 (1) from taking industrial action.
He pointed out that the Act imposed penalties on public servants and trade unionists who contravened its provisions. The penalty could be imprisonment for 18 months and a $10,000 fine.
Dookeran made it quite clear that he was not threatening public servants, “but was simply outlining the state of affairs” in the light of the PSA advertisements appearing in the press that called for no work on Tuesday, which was tantamount to strike action.
