Citing late payments of salaries and a laundry list of other grievances, workers employed at the Public Work Department (PWC) will be taking to the streets on Monday in order to have their voices heard.
The workers are being represented by the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) and according to its general secretary, Thomas Letang, a number of things are affecting the employees “very, very badly.”
“They are not being paid their salaries on time,” he stated.
He pointed out that some workers have not been paid for three fortnights now and and it has been two months since monthly paid workers have not received salaries.
“We have the situation where their social security contributions are not being paid to social security,” Letang noted. “The list goes on and on and on …”
He further stated that there are problems of safety, health and working conditions being face by PWC workers.
“You just name it and public people are really experiencing those problems,” he said.
He said the union has been trying to have the matters resolved but to no avail.
“We have reached a point where we have done everything we believe was possible, so we’ve reached a point where we have to demonstrate…” he noted.
The demonstration will begin at PWC headquarters, head down Independence Street, to Old Street, up Kennedy Avenue and will end at the Financial Center.
After that a report will be made to the staff at the DPSU building on Valley Road.
Just a few weeks ago, PWC staff demonstrated in Roseau and after a brief meeting with prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, it was agreed that a meeting would be held on August 4.
However, it never took place reportedly due to inclement weather.
As far as I am concerned, Mr. letang has been a dismal failure as Secretary of the Public Service, he should resign immediately. He claimed to be very disturbed by many unsatisfactory statements made by the Prime Minister as regards to Public Works. He was embarrassed when he was given a date for a meeting which did not take place. A second demonstration was held within the last three months, as a result of the demonstration, it would appear the Prime Minister met him only to be told Public Works is owed money and when it is paid, the workers will be paid. Letang does not know how much money Public Works is owed neither a time frame is given. In my opinion, he was fooled one more time. It is time for Letang to pack up, it is time for Mr. Anthony or someone else.
how can you blame one man, when he calls meetings for over 2000 servants less than 40 people turns out.
we can say he is weak all we want, but the union is the people not one man…
Dominicans like politics over their pockets.
our mentality is that once our party in power we will not strike…
Dominicans are so pathetic its alarming
I know dno you do not have to publish my comment but that is what i am talking about it is like a virus keep it. Good luck to th e hard workers.
Maybe Letang will get out of his slumber and also awake all members of his union and do as Saverin did in the seventies. Skeritt must be having a good laugh. There is a demonstration every six months, then everyone goes back home and according to Denis ends up in bed snoring until another six months.
is not labour allu voting na. i see
All I can say is, good luck with a government that lacks respect to the people. It’s all part of the next level you were promise, and now you are harvesting the fruits of the seeds you sowed in the last election. Once again, good luck people.
“However, it never took place reportedly due to inclement weather.”
I have to think it must be one of the tropical storms that caused the meeting to take place. But if the government really wanted to address the issue, all they had to do was reschedule the meeting. I really don’t see an issue here. But that could just be the excuse they needed to drag their feet.