General Secretary of the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), Thomas Letang, has stated that the union will continue to monitor the situation at the Woodbridge Bay Port in Fond Cole regarding the storage and loading of cement.
Yesterday, several staff members at the Dominica Air and Seaport Authority (DASPA) left their jobs for a few hours, refusing to work in what they described as a threat to their health during the offloading and storage of cement at the port. Over the past few weeks, truckers have been transporting cement from the port at Fond Cole to the International Airport project in Wesley.
Information reaching Dominica News Online (DNO) is that the union met with DASPA management yesterday to address the situation. “We will monitor the situation, and if management does not provide protective equipment and other necessary items, I will meet with the staff to decide how we will proceed from there,” Letang stated.
He explained that the location of the cement storage is directly in front of the shed, and the presence of damaged bags poses a problem for the staff. Letang further explained that when vehicles drive out with the cement, dust from the cement disseminates into the air. “The storage and loading processes pose a problem for the staff,” Letang remarked.
A DASPA staff member, who chose to remain anonymous, told DNO that he walked off the job yesterday due to concerns about his health. “The loading and transporting of cement from the boat have been affecting me and others who work at the Port at Fond Cole for quite some time, and we really want the authorities to take action,” he argued. “Perhaps they could provide masks or some form of protection, as inhaling this dust is unhealthy.”
Another worker, who also chose to remain anonymous, stated, “Sometimes employees have to take action so that those in authority will address situations affecting others.”
“I pray that this issue can be resolved,” she said. “For those of us who do not suffer from respiratory illnesses, I believe this cement exposure will lead to health issues.”
Meanwhile, sources informed DNO earlier today that firefighters from the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services hosed down the area yesterday, and the cement was removed from the shed where staff were most affected to another area known as “the gulf.” DNO will continue to follow this story and provide more details in a later publication.
It’s about time Dominicans stood their ground and stop putting up with nonsense from their employers. If everybody walked off their jobs when their health or livelihoods are threatened then employers will have to act. The cost of living is also rising and wages are not rising. It’s time to stand up for our rights. The divide between rich and poor is getting bigger. That’s because we let employers get away with treating us badly. Time to say ‘Enough is Enough’. However, it will need 100% of the workforce to grow some…..
Not only is cement dust a serious health hazard, but it appears that ships delivering cement for the airport project, have docking priority over other vessels. Hence, the delay of other essential cargoes.
Could the Port Authority please correct me if I am wrong.
Public workers are equated by this administration to be mules. Come to work and get the job done regardless to the unhealthy working conditions. Completion of their assigned tasks is the primary priority.
How often does the DPSU meet with their members to ascertain their difficulties and disaffection with the relevant government authorities. The DPSU needs a proactive, energetic, forthright, non-aligned (politically) at its apex. Mr. Thomas Letang has been a monumental failure.