Trade unions in Trinidad and Tobago are preparing to take their grievances to the streets on October 30, demanding progress on unresolved wage negotiations, outstanding salary arrears and the plight of displaced workers, as frustration mounts over the government’s proposed approach to settling its obligations to public servants.
Michael Annisette, General Secretary of the National Trade Union Centre of Trinidad and Tobago (NATUC), confirmed that preparations for the march were progressing during a news conference reported by the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
The protest was initially scheduled for October 16 but was postponed following arrangements for the state-assisted funeral of veteran calypsonian Dr. Slinger Francisco, known as the Mighty Sparrow, who died in New York on September 27.
Annisette said the grievances extend beyond wages and arrears to include workers who remain displaced, employees still earning salaries based on 2013 rates and unresolved collective bargaining agreements.
The unions’ objections intensified after the government presented its TT$63.3 billion 2026–2027 national budget. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo said funding had been allocated to address outstanding public-sector wage obligations, including a proposal to pay 40 per cent of certain arrears in cash, with the remainder settled through non-cash benefits over three years.
However, the Public Services Association (PSA), led by Felisha Thomas, has rejected the proposal, arguing that workers should not be compelled to accept non-cash benefits in place of money owed to them.
The dispute concerns outstanding arrears linked to a 10 per cent wage increase for the periods 2014–2016 and 2017–2019. The government has cited financial constraints while maintaining that it has allocated funds towards its outstanding obligations.
“We will not be considering any non-cash items,” Thomas said, reiterating the PSA’s rejection of the arrangement.
Other unions have raised separate concerns. The Trinidad and Tobago National Nurses’ Association has criticised the absence of specific commitments addressing nurses’ arrears and a proposed 10 per cent wage increase. Airline pilots are also reportedly owed more than TT$20 million despite negotiations concluding in December 2024.
Annisette has called on the finance minister to meet with the labour movement to resolve outstanding agreements, while urging workers whose settlements have been paid to stand in solidarity with colleagues still awaiting payment.
The October 30 march is also expected to address crime, opportunities for young people and the need for education that prepares citizens for employment in technology and artificial intelligence.
The protest will test the labour movement’s ability to maintain pressure on the government as negotiations continue across several public-sector agencies and state-owned enterprises.
