By LARA PICKFORD-GORDON Saturday, October 3 2009

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Mariano Browne...

MINISTER of Trade and Industry Mariano Browne yesterday said line Ministers responsible for TSTT (Mustapha Abdul Hamid) and the PTSC (Colm Imbert) had no prior notice of moves to de-certify the Communications Workers Union (CWU) and Transport and Industrial Workers Union (TIWU).

The decision by the State companies to approach the Industrial Court to de-certify the unions sparked condemnation by unions and Opposition members. Browne said the action was possibly “too extreme” especially as Government was committed to a tripartite approach to resolution.

“We do not believe the de-certification process should be stepped up to at this stage. This is not required,” Browne told the media while responding to questions at the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Westmoorings building following a Corporate Social Responsiblity Exchange seminar.

Browne said when the news of the de-certification became known a decision was taken by Cabinet. Asked if TSTT and PTSC management would be undermined by the Government’s involvement, Browne said, “It’s a two way street. We expect if extreme action is meant to be taken, then we need to be informed and how it will impact on the rest of our position in terms of going forward. In the event we were not informed we take the necessary action.”

He said Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert and Public Utilities Minister Mustapha Abdul-Hamid were expected to meet with PTSC and TSTT board members, respectively, yesterday evening.

Browne said there were legal processes for unions to be de-certified just as it allows for them to be certified. He said the action by PTSC and TSTT appeared to signal that they were not prepared to tolerate a particular type of behaviour. However, he said the Government had to take a wider perspective. “In terms of how we have a tripartite approach moving forward and how we get our various constituent elements to get together and talk things over. De-certification is perhaps too extreme a step for us. We don’t consider that the step we need to have at this point in time”.

Browne said the government recognised the need for greater dialogue but did not tolerate or encourage irresponsible behaviour on the part of the unions. He said the development of TT required involvement of business, government and labour in a responsible way moving forward.