GTAWU SWEEPS POLL FOR CANE CO LTD. OPERATORS

Last Updated on Thursday, 18 November 2021 14:00 Written by GTAWU Thursday, 18 November 2021 13:45

The Grenada Technical and Allied Workers’ Union today Wednesday, November 17, 2021 swept the ballot in a Ministry of Labour conducted poll to become the Bargaining Agent for the Operators employed at Cane Co Ltd. One hundred percent (100%) of the Operators who casted their ballot voted in favour of the Union.

Representing the Ministry of Labour was Mr. Cyrus Griffith and Ms. Neesha Lewis; representing the Factory was Mr. Duncan Butler - General Manager and Ms. Lucy Murchie while Mr. Troy Hassell - Industrial Relations Officer represented the Union.

The Union has met with the new members and a Shop Steward has been elected to be the representative at the workplace.

INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE LOOMS OVER CIBC FIRSTCARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK

Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 November 2021 20:39 Written by GTAWU Tuesday, 02 November 2021 20:34

The Grenada Technical and Allied Workers’ hereby advises customers of CIBC First Caribbean International Bank and the general public that the Bank seems intent on creating conditions for a serious industrial struggle before it departs from Grenada.

Following the announcement of CIBC FCIB sale to Grenada Co-operative Bank, the Union wrote seeking to address matters of urgent concern to the workers. These matters include:

1.     The right of the workers to elect to be transferred to Co-operative Bank or elect to be terminated and receive severance payment.

2.     Retroactive overtime payment owed to the workers for being illegally scheduled to work beyond the normal workday.

3.     Salary increases and other matters related to the Collective Labour Agreement for the period 2019 to 2021.

CIBC FCIB has refused to attend a rescheduled conciliation meeting set by the Labour Commissioner for today Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

The Grenada Technical and Allied Workers’ Union held a very successful meeting with the workers of the Bank, and they have all given their commitment to engage in any necessary action(s) to protect and secure their rights and benefits.

The Union hereby reminds of the successful struggles of Bank of Nova Scotia and RBC/RBTT (ACB) workers against the Canadian Banks bent on treating our people with disrespect.

GTAWU shall not allow the Canadian Banks which have taken away our resources from the Country to run away without adequately compensating Grenadian workers.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 August 2020 13:46 Written by GTAWU Wednesday, 26 August 2020 13:16

TO: ALL MEMBERS OF THE GRENADA TECHNICAL AND ALLIED WORKERS' UNION

FROM : THE DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

DATE: AUGUST  20, 2020

SUBJECT :    COVID-19 UPDATE

__________________________________________________________

Dear Comrades  All,

You will recall that two (2) months ago by way of memo dated June 18, 2020, the Union sent out information regarding COVID-19, encouraging workers to do all that was necessary to help prevent contracting and spreading of the virus.

At that time there was no known case of COVID-19 on island and based on recent reports from the Ministry of Health on August 17, 2020 and as indicated by Dr. Shawn Charles, Chief Medical Officer, this situation remains the same.

In this regard, the Union will like to remind us of the following:-

• Approximately ten percent (10%) of our population have been given a P.C.R. test.

• Our Borders are fully open to the Caribbean as well as international countries which includes yellow and red zones.

Opening of our Borders means that we are more exposed to the possibility of this deadly virus being imported into Grenada.  We must also remember that Grenada is made up of many islets which can be used for entry into the mainland and this could of been the case during our recent carnival-like activities.

We have been looking at the behaviour of most of our members and workers; generally, those who has dropped their guard and can be seen not following the COVID -19 protocols

We have noticed that there are social gathering without masks and traveling on  buses without masks where it is very difficult if not impossible to observe the social/physical distancing.

Workers please, this is not a time to lax and drop our guards.  I guess you heard of the current situation with our neighboring Islands, Trinidad and Tobago whereby their numbers went up  to 477 new cases with 41 new cases being recorded on August 18, 2020.  They are now on a complete lock-down. A similar situation also exists in many States in the U.S.A. which are color coded as red states.

It is for these reasons, the Union is making this special appeal to all workers to pay serious attention to the COVID-19 Protocols and do not allow ourselves to be exposed to contracting the virus and a second lock-down!

WORKING IN THE INTEREST OF ALL WORKERS FOR A SAFER GRENADA !!

A TRIBUTE TO CDE. MARTIN ANTHONY REDHEAD LABOUR EXTENSION /FIELD OFFICER

Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 August 2020 13:10 Written by GTAWU Wednesday, 26 August 2020 12:30

TRIBUTE BY THE GRENADA TECHNICAL AND ALLIED WOKRERS’ UNION TO THE LATE COMRADE MARTIN ANTHONY REDHEAD, LABOUR EXTENSION / FIELD OFFICER OF THE UNION

The Grenada Technical and Allied Workers’ Union, its Management Committee, Secretariat, General Council and Rank-and-File extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends on the loss of our beloved Comrade Martin Anthony “Comrade” “Bro Marto” Redhead, Labour Extension/Field Officer of the Union.

Comrade Martin Redhead became a member of the Grenada Technical and Allied Workers’ Union in September 1998, during his employment with the Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN). He was from day one a militant fighter for the rights of workers employed at the GBN and by extension the workers of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. As a trade unionist and activist in the struggle for the working class Comrade Redhead will be specifically remembered in the annals of the GTAWU for his selfless contribution, dedication, commitment, integrity and honesty during the Grenada Broadcasting Network battles of April and May 2000 among other activities.

This was a period (late 90’s and early 2000’s) of intense anti trade Union activities by the then Government against the Labour Movement with specific laser like focus against TAWU. GBN as a partially state-owned media house was of interest to the then Government administration. In April and May of 2000, the Union was locked in a battle with GBN over negotiations for a Collective Labour Agreement (CLA).

Comrade Martin was the Chief Shop Steward at the GBN and was the undisputed leader of the workers who all respected and admired his commitment and dedication. He was always one to lead from the front.

No mission was too risky for him to undertake. He was courageous and full of principle and integrity. He placed the struggle of the GBN workers and the working class above that of his family and personal material accomplishment. During that struggle he refused offers of bribe that would have resulted in him and family being better off today both financially and materially. He took a principled stand and opposed all attempts by senior officials in the then Government administration to get the workers to sign a petition to break the strike of April/May 2000!

Comrade Redhead was elected/elevated at TAWU’s General Council in the latter part of 2000 to serve on the Management Committee of the Union. He attended his very first Management Committee meeting on Saturday January 20, 2001 and remained on the Committee until March 2004. He was one of the workers retrenched by GBN in 2003. However TAWU holds the view that he lost his job because of his militancy and outstanding leadership role during the GBN workers struggles of the early 2000’s in the fight against injustice at the workplace.

Quoting from the minutes of the Management Committee meeting of Saturday January 20, 2001, it reads: “Bro. Martin Redhead was also welcomed to the Management Committee. It was said that he is a hard worker, committed to the workers’ struggle and is firm in his principles, as was demonstrated during the workers struggle at GBN”.

Comrade Martin joined the staff of TAWU on July 1, 2009 and served until his untimely passing on July 21, 2020. He did everything that was requested of him. He went beyond the call of duty. He served everyone. Nothing was to demanding or difficult for him. Nothing was too small for him to do. He was a servant, the one who did all errands. Even when he felt he was unfairly treated he never allowed that to prevent him from serving the Union.

Bro “Marto” was the main driving force in the establishing of the TAWU Youth Arm. He was totally committed to its formation and operations.

Bro “Marto” was a main driving force in the preparation and distribution of the TAWU May Day Food Hampers.

His last official active engagement with TAWU and the workers took place during the recent GRENLEC Workers struggle of the week of July 13, 2020 in the fight against the Company’s taking of workers Annual Vacation Leave during the COVID-19 State of Emergency Lock Down. As a matter of fact, on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, he had to be instructed to return home to rest since he was feeling tired. Little did we know or think that this would be the beginning of his permanent rest! Comrade Martin was very disturbed that he was unable to remain and serve the GRENLEC workers and Union during the struggle. Although tired and almost disoriented Comrade Martin Redhead reported to the Union’s Secretariat collected the refreshment for the Striking GRENLEC workers and delivered it to them. This was despite him being told to leave the office and go home. He requested, in his own soft determined manner, that he be allowed to fulfill and accomplish this task.

How many workers will stand the test of time and refuse the offer and promise of money, land, and a house in exchange for selling out the workers struggle? How many workers will experience their family - wife, two (2) young children and self -  continue to struggle financially every day, under trying living conditions and still refuse the offer and promise of money, land and house and not sell out the struggle? Comrade Martin Redhead did just that!

Comrade Martin was prepared and demonstrated his full commitment to the cause of TAWU and workers. He was courageous, fearless, committed and dedicated to the struggle. He was prepared to do everything and anything, even to risk his personal liberty and possible life! Remember no one could ever be totally sure of how the execution of certain missions may unfold.

TAWU and the workers owe Comrade Martin an un-payable debt of gratitude.

Comrade Martin Redhead has certainly demonstrated the qualities of Che Guevarra in terms of his selfless service to all. He has followed in the footsteps of Doctor David “Doc” Lambert and Doctor Winston “Tommy” Thomas. He was a people’s person!

Comrade Redhead was a Union Organiser, Mobiliser, Counsellor, All-rounder, Friend, Brother and Confidant to TAWU members. We know that hundreds of Union members and workers wanted to be here today to pay their final respect, but due to the protocols for COVID-19, this is not possible. Our Union is flying its flag in combination with a black flag as a mark of respect and mourning to this stalwart of a human being.

Today our Union mourns the loss of a Co-worker, Comrade, Father, Brother, and Friend - Martin Anthony “Comrade” “Bro Marto” Redhead and once again expresses deepest heartfelt condolences to his Wife, Children and loved ones.

Our dear Comrade Martin, you were indeed a courageous, committed, dedicated, fearless and selfless champion servant to the working class. We in TAWU thank your family for sharing you with us. Well it was not really a sharing since you gave all or mostly of yourself to the Union and workers.

We salute your memories.

Long live the memories of Comrade Martin Anthony “Comrade” “Bro Marto” Redhead.