OWTU TO SERVE STRIKE NOTICE ON PETROTRIN

[Redman]

The privatize movement always gains traction when the Petrotrin/OWTU is where it currently is right now. It is usually based on people's frustrations with the unions seemingly intractable stances on wage negotiations. I mean 10 % or we strike is just that, an intractable situation. The GORTT offered 0 and the counter is 10, but with the strong-armed strike threat from the union. People are no longer willing to tolerate a loss making entity being so militant in negotiations, as the union again seeks to falsely paint the picture that the GORTT alone is responsible for the situation. If the first negotiating period is before the court, and the second period depends on that outcome, then why the strike threat?
We decry privatization because it will not allow the waste and low productivity to persist, not only at Petrotrin, but at any other money pit State institution. Maybe we'd rather go the way of Caroni/Mittal rather than seek our own best interests.

Past Board members, ministers and political hacks have contract inside that non of the political directorate on either side want to touch-

Privatization will stop that due to DISCLOSURE requirements-so we need mandatory disclosure of all that are providing services to state contracts and values.


Yes I know that eh happening-so no one changing nothing.

[The_Honourable]

There are two theories running around, and i believe it's one of the reasons why the public not taking the strike seriously and lining up at gas stations. I heard the theory repeated on some talk radio stations earlier.

The 1st theory is that there is going to be NO strike on Monday. Talks between parties will fail for now but the last emergency meeting will be on Sunday where Dr Rowley himself will be involved. An agreement will be met and strike averted. Roget will look good for getting his way and make Imbert look like a fool, while Rowley will look good politically as he "averted a major crisis" and will have relevance in the upcoming THA elections. Petrotrin will continue to be a politically charged landscape for whoever is in government while the company itself goes downhill.

The 2nd theory. is that Financiers want Petrotrin to strike to the point that they will be so crippled that the company will declare bankruptcy. Emergency meetings will be held by Government where financiers will move in to save and stabilize the company. Government gets a liability off their hands, Financiers get a deal (especially if they invested politically and looking for their ROI), and OWTU will be humbled meaning they would not be the "big bad" union/force anymore. The only problem with this theory is that it may be political suicide for Dr. Rowley. Also, as Redman stated, too much people from both political sides have contract inside and don't want anybody to touch it.

We'll wait and see how it goes.

[nervewrecker]

Political suicide? Most of the public want to see petrotrin men get sent home. He might get votes for that

[racedriverpro]

Last time I checked tuner is mainly for entertainment. Ease up on the sense fellas.

[thelem-again]

There are two theories running around, and i believe it's one of the reasons why the public not taking the strike seriously and lining up at gas stations. I heard the theory repeated on some talk radio stations earlier.

The 1st theory is that there is going to be NO strike on Monday. Talks between parties will fail for now but the last emergency meeting will be on Sunday where Dr Rowley himself will be involved. An agreement will be met and strike averted. Roget will look good for getting his way and make Imbert look like a fool, while Rowley will look good politically as he "averted a major crisis" and will have relevance in the upcoming THA elections. Petrotrin will continue to be a politically charged landscape for whoever is in government while the company itself goes downhill.

The 2nd theory. is that Financiers want Petrotrin to strike to the point that they will be so crippled that the company will declare bankruptcy. Emergency meetings will be held by Government where financiers will move in to save and stabilize the company. Government gets a liability off their hands, Financiers get a deal (especially if they invested politically and looking for their ROI), and OWTU will be humbled meaning they would not be the "big bad" union/force anymore. The only problem with this theory is that it may be political suicide for Dr. Rowley. Also, as Redman stated, too much people from both political sides have contract inside and don't want anybody to touch it.

We'll wait and see how it goes.

Too much logic and sense stated here!!

Well said.

[Gladiator]

Friend of mine who works there said that the plant takes 3 days to shut down... and shut down procedures started today.

[The_Honourable]

How do Petrotrin’s wage rates compare to the rest of the energy sector?

Over the past few days there has been a lot of commentary in the press, on social media and amongst the public on the current wage rates at Petrotrin. Given this discussion the Energy Chamber of Trinidad & Tobago thinks that it is important to provide factual information about the current wage rates at Petrotrin compared to the general rates prevalent in the energy sector.

Note that all the Petrotrin rates quoted here are the current rates: i.e. with the 0-0-0 offer for both collective bargaining periods, but with the COLA increases incorporated.

The base wage rates for labourers, craft-workers, tradesmen, technicians, supervisory and clerical level staff at Petrotrin are significantly higher than the average rates within the industry. In many cases, they are more than double the market rates.

Read More: http://energynow.tt/blog/how-do-petrotr ... rgy-sector

[nervewrecker]

I can tell you those figures are wrong. Dead wrong!

[InsanityReigns]

those figures are wrong as usual.

[pugboy]

What the general public does not understand however is that when unions get wage increases over the years,
The increases are for all workers, from toilet cleaner go up across the board.

Over the years these percentage increases are like compound interest rates and hence ending up with high salaries in general.
Not saying I agree with the salaries or practicality of them but this is how a low level salaried job is paid so high .

[The_Honourable]

I can tell you those figures are wrong. Dead wrong!

Then if CNC3 was wrong, and now the energy chamber, i'm guessing there is a conspiracy by many to direct the population to the idea of privatization of petrotrin? Which connects to my 2nd theory earlier?

[The_Honourable]

Strike is on - CNC3

[nervewrecker]

According to that a laborer salary close to $14k which is incorrect
Electrician close to $18k which is also incorrect.
Didnt worry to even look at the rest.

[pugboy]

So what is correct, higher or lower ?

[nervewrecker]

Lower.
Even before taxes and deductions its lower.

[nos_specialist]

Ok fellas...its about to down... welll actually it already goin down.. plants are being taken offline in the refinery... stock up

[nervewrecker]

Tank full...ish. good for about a month

[shake d livin wake d dead]

Bachannal this weekend..

[GixxerMan]

already stocked up 4 diesel and 2 gas containers with fuel stabilizer and all vehicles tanks full

[nervewrecker]

Ent dem td27 could run on cooking oil?

[Duane 3NE 2NR]

http://energynow.tt/blog/how-do-petrotr ... rgy-sector

How do Petrotrin’s wage rates compare to the rest of the energy sector?
January 6, 2017
by Energy Chamber

Over the past few days there has been a lot of commentary in the press, on social media and amongst the public on the current wage rates at Petrotrin. Given this discussion the Energy Chamber of Trinidad & Tobago thinks that it is important to provide factual information about the current wage rates at Petrotrin compared to the general rates prevalent in the energy sector.

Note that all the Petrotrin rates quoted here are the current rates: i.e. with the 0-0-0 offer for both collective bargaining periods, but with the COLA increases incorporated.

The base wage rates for labourers, craft-workers, tradesmen, technicians, supervisory and clerical level staff at Petrotrin are significantly higher than the average rates within the industry. In many cases, they are more than double the market rates.

At professional and management levels the base wage rates are closer to similar jobs in the rest of the industry and in the case of some more senior roles, lower than industry averages (though Petrotrin staff also tend to have generous benefit packages that can significantly increase their total compensation package).

The chart below compares the current wage rates with the average rates in energy service companies, based on a survey of seven major service companies (including both unionised and non-unionised companies). It should be noted that Petrotrin is the only major operator with these types of positions on staff; other operators contract out these activities to service companies.



The current rates at Petrotrin are significantly higher than the market rates. In many cases the Petrotrin rates are more than double the market rates. This is before any increases to Petrotrin rates.

It is important to note that the non-unionised service companies have to pay the Petrotrin rates whenever they are working on a project for Petrotrin. If they have an agreement with the OWTU, or a recognised majority union, they can pay their union rates.

At the professional and managerial levels the comparator companies for Petrotrin employees would be the other operator companies, including the major multi-nationals and other state-owned companies like the NGC. The Energy Chamber has access to a survey comparing the rates in Petrotrin and other operator companies. This shows that at the supervisory and professional level, Petrotrin rates are typically higher than the other major oil, gas and petrochemical companies. However, at senior engineer levels and above Petrotrin rates are lower.

[Redman]

I think it's really unfair for the Energy chamber to be stirring up emotions like this...They need to show pay slips.



Seriously tho....What would people here do if given the keys and full sole authority to handle Petrotrin?

[Country_Bookie]

have they started building the strike camp? where exactly will it be located?

[Numb3r4]

They will located at or near the gates to all Petrotrin compound. In addition they may have locations near to the gates of all the access roads to and from Petrotrin assets.

[Numb3r4]

I'm impressed....didn't think they had it in them.

[Numb3r4]

Good for them.

[Numb3r4]

My concern is that school is to begin on Monday what would the implications be for public transportation?

[Allergic2BunnyEars]

Heard that a shuttle service will be provided to carry children from gaspo gate. I don't know details though.

[nervewrecker]

All that skill and effort into making sure people dont get to work? If they put that much into actually coming to work and doing work we might see huge profits.

[De Dragon]

Lower.
Even before taxes and deductions its lower.

God, its like pulling teeth! Ten dollars lower? Two thousand?