Going on strike premature – Etinoffe

Etinoffe. Photo credit: GIS

The Dominica Water and Sewerage Company DOWASCO says it will be premature if the union representing DOWASCO staff stages any strike action in the event of staff cuts at the water company.

DOWASCO has disclosed that its financial problems could lead it to cutting down on staff and salaries, and the Dominica Public Service Union has said it is willing to act if DOWASCO goes through with those intentions.

Bernard Etinoffe, DOWASCO’s General Manager, said his company is aware that it must look at several ways which can assist it in coping with the company’s financial ordeal.

“We know we have to do something and so we are making plans, even preparing a proposal which will speak to exact numbers and so forth and those things have to be approved by DOWASCO board,” Etinoffe said on radio this week. “We will discuss them with the union and see how best we deal with the situation.”

He continued, “I think it would be very very premature for any union to say that they’re gonna strike. Strike over what?”

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8 Comments

  1. stress
    February 24, 2011

    The union have to do its job that’s what they are paid to do

  2. natural dominican
    February 23, 2011

    what does he mean strike over what…is your salary getting cut…are you willing to take a bigger cut in order to save some jobs..i don’t think so…so i say to the union do what you gotta do…and how the hell did DOWASCO reach in such an ordeal anyway….may its management that should go

  3. Dread!
    February 23, 2011

    What he mean strike over what? I bet you if he was in the workers shoes he would not be saying that! Oh my lord! They need to take action in order to protect themselves. I think Etinoffe sounds very unsympathetic. He could have said it is still early to take action but to blatantly say, “Strike for what?” Hmmn… weh weh weh!!!

  4. dominican always
    February 23, 2011

    mr Etinoffe, and senior management personnel should lead by example and take a cut in salaries the same cut they want workers to take and to go further the minister of communication and works and his cohorts in government have they taken a cut in salary or a wage freeze or cut jobs in the oversize cabinet

  5. seek
    February 23, 2011

    just some of those 27million for the state malace will stop the bleeding…..

  6. only
    February 23, 2011

    The govt. should be subsidizing the water and electric companies until they are structurally sound and running efficiently and there should be a definite cut off date, no fooling around like with the french road deal. No fancy stuff until the basics are covered and the country is producing more for export than import.

  7. de caribbean change, BBA, MBA, CPA
    February 23, 2011

    Every household today with DOWASCO water should be properly water-metered in order to bill them for the right amount monthly. Just like we install electricity meters, we should also install water meters. That’s one solution to the long-term problem.

  8. Bram-Bram
    February 23, 2011

    So what Etinoffe want the union to do? They should wait until you fire the workers to go on strike? You all have no compassion for workers and their familes. Letang doh worry with them fellas. Do what you have to do.

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