T&T port workers strike: Supply chain disruptions could severely impact Guyana – GMSA warns

…urges swift resolution to avoid Christmas trade crisis

Warning of the supply chain disruptions caused by striking port workers in Trinidad and Tobago and the negative impact this can have in the region, particularly Guyana, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has urged swift action to resolve the strike.

On Monday, GMSA stated that the ongoing industrial action, now surpassing two months, is causing significant delays in clearing containers, including those with raw and time-sensitive materials.
According to GMSA, the industrial action is severely disrupting regional trade and local businesses.
“Manufacturers and businesses in Guyana are incurring substantial financial losses, particularly during this critical Christmas season when import volumes are significantly higher. These delays have also contributed to price increases for consumer goods, including basic necessities, as businesses are forced to navigate higher costs associated with supply chain disruptions,” GMSA said.
“Trinidad and Tobago play’s a crucial role as a transshipment hub for the Caribbean, facilitating the movement of goods to Guyana and countries in the Caribbean. Prolonged disruptions at its ports are jeopardizing regional supply chains, with dire implications for businesses and consumers alike.”
In their statement, GMSA went on to urge the Government of Guyana to reach out to their counterparts in Trinidad and work with them to facilitate a resolution to the strike action. At the same time, they urged the union to prioritize dialogue.
“The Association urges port management and the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU) to prioritize dialogue and collaboration with the aim of swiftly restoring operations. The recent Industrial Court ruling directing workers to resume duties is a step forward, but the underlying issues require immediate attention to prevent further disruptions.”
“The GMSA implores the authorities to recognize the broader regional impact of these disruptions and to take decisive steps toward restoring normalcy at the Port of Port-of- Spain. A swift resolution is essential to safeguarding the economic interests of both Trinidad and Tobago and its trading partners across the Caribbean,” GMSA said.
The strike action has its genesis in disagreements between SWWTU and the Port Authority, over wage increases and proposals for best practices at the port.
The union has been at odds with the Port Authority over wage increases and proposals aimed at implementing best practices at the port. Following a recent meeting, it was announced by the SWWTU president general Michael Annisette that the proposals put on the table are being actively considered but complained that the port authority was not initially engaging with them in good faith.
“For some strange reason, there was an initial unwillingness to engage with the union in good faith. However, I believe better sense is now prevailing. It seems the management of the Port Authority is beginning to understand the proposals, their implications, and what they mean for the Port Authority’s operations in the context of the agreements we’ve reached,” he was quoted saying by the Trinidad Guardian.
Last week, nearly 100 members of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU), Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), T&T Postal Workers Union (TTPWU) and the Aviation, Communication and Allied Workers Union (ACAWU), came together in a protest to agitate for higher wages.
Earlier this month, an Industrial Court had granted an injunction ordering that the port workers return to work. At the time the industrial action, led by SWWTU, was over a month old. The court order led SWWTU president general Michael Annisette to criticize the Port Authority’s approach, noting that the legal route was unnecessary when dialogue was an option.