"The heavily armed police officers and soldiers were brought down to monitor an expected volatile situation because the company intends to get in about 300 workers on the compound," a source told the Express. "Those who are protesting are in the minority but they do not want us to go back to work," said one worker...
News Source: Trinidad Express
By Phooloo Danny-Maharaj
Member of Parliament for the area Lawrence Achong, who resigned as Labour Minister at the weekend, because of his support for the workers is expected to address workers at the picket line at 7 a.m. today. The workers downed tools some five weeks ago, bringing all operations at the liquid natural gas plant Train 4 expansion to a halt. They are demanding increased wages and better working conditions and have set up a campsite near the compound.
Police confirmed that the company had sought police intervention because it said some 80 percent of the workforce wanted to return to work but were scared of workers on the picket line. The plan is for police to escort some 300 workers into the company this morning, the Express was told.
It was also learned that the first 300 workers to be taken into the compound will be to look after the scaffolding. The workers will however, have to go through a drug test, orientation and a refresher course in health and safety before they could start to work.
"When this batch of workers begin to work smoothly, then another set will be taken in," said a source. This process might take as long as three weeks.
The police and army base is expected to remain in the borough throughout that time.
Full Story: Assistant Comissioner of Police expected to visit
