WAWU moving to end impasse with DASPA

Kertiste Augustus
Kertiste Augustus

The Waterfront and Allied Workers Union says it will take measures to end a “long drawn out impasse” with the Dominica Air and Sea Port Authority (DASPA).

Outgoing Secretary Treasurer of WAWU, Kertise Augustus, says problems have persisted, ever since the takeover of the long shore and stevedore services by DASPA. 

He told the 17th Biennial Conference of WAWU this week, that the WAWU branch operating at the port, has been locked in a bitter struggle with DASPA in relation to terms and conditions of service for employees since 2002.

“The working conditions enjoyed with their former employer was drastically reduced and the rates of pay substantially changed to the demise of the workers,”

He said a tribunal was set up to hear the matter in 2004, “and for the first time in the history of tribunals, both parties challenged the results given”.

He said a new collective agreement was negotiated for lines men with DASPA and the Authority organized a special training program for 21 workers.

Augustus, who is no longer on the executive of WAWU, ended by calling for immediate closure to the matter.

“It is the declared intention of the port branch to do everything in its power to bring an end to this long drawn out matter with DASPA and hope that such will be realized during the ensuing years,” he added.

The theme for the conference was “Strengthening our ranks to face the economic and other challenges”.

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8 Comments

  1. MUMieiose
    May 20, 2013

    long live kertist augustus he is a champion of the masses.

  2. T mama
    May 19, 2013

    Time for justice for the Port Workers…Stevedore…..the Judge must put down her foot and if DASPA persons are not there, give her decision…time to pay up DASPA….those men suffering…time to pay up…..

  3. root canel
    May 18, 2013

    why did you remove my comments.

  4. root canal
    May 18, 2013

    There are a number of unanswered questions as to how wawu ran the port branch of the union,I personally feel the workers were setup for a dangerous fall.As soon as the top guns started to retire things started crumbling.In the case of payments to banana workers employed by geest industries there were some workers who never received a dime.There should be an investigation and those responsible should be brought to justice.At on point in time you had the past president operating his own little shipping “jig ” at Belfast with his hand picked workers. We are living in changing environment and people are being prosecuted for there crimes, what is stopping the authorities from picking up these individuals and trying them in a court of law. Let me also add that those behaviors were reckless and disrespectful as a result workers have been left with a bitter taste in there mouths.

  5. Doc. Love
    May 18, 2013

    Kertise Augustus was Secretary of WAWU since the days of Mr. Patrick John as Prime Minister. In fact, he replaced Patrick as Secretary. One can count on one hand of his achievements. In the days of P.J that Union was said to be the most powerful union in the Caribbean.At one time their was a saying that if the PJ Government would speak to loud their would be a strike. Since the departure of PJ,not one strike has been called by WAWU.For years, a worker by the name of Jammers has been begging for recognition and alleged money owed by DASPA, now the man is due to exit, he is asking for closure of a long drawn out impasse,who does Kertiste think he is fooling.

  6. public. eye
    May 18, 2013

    Kertiste Agustus.. i lost respect for mister after after i saw how he failed the trade union congress in barbados.. since that he came back to dominica playing bigtime trade unionist. is only here he have mouth? tell Kertiste he have failed the trade union movement so back off

    • DNO please
      May 18, 2013

      DNO please please delete that comment from public.eye for its a manifest falsehood, completely malicious, absolutely untrue. Oh boy Kertist Augustus is a recognizable champion of the trade union movement in this region. My word ! Jalousy say met SOR-SIAY. What d man do you?
      Everybody love kertist we boy. Public.eye you are yet another fool. You need candles! You need prayers to bring you closer to God to free you from your obvious hate.

    • JUDGE DREDD
      May 18, 2013

      so true, the trade unionist is politicans.. what a waste of time and news

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