The workers on the controversial $7.2 billion project raised a range of issues that needed correcting. Health and Safety was at the top of the list. Workers complained that drinking water was not readily available at all locations; sanitary conveniences were not regularly cleaned; workers had no place to wash their hands and change their clothes; ambulance services were inadequate and first aid kits were not available at allocations. They also pointed out that there was inadequate first aid training; confined space and other permit-to work systems were lacking in terms of use and frequency. There were poor quality tools and damaged tools were not being replaced; personal protective equipment like boots and dust masks were not up to scratch; poor lighting for night work created hazardous conditions for the workers. Workers slammed the payment system which was supposed to be bi-monthly, but sometimes were paid after three weeks. They questioned the legibility of their pay slips and charged that industry standards for meal allowances were not observed. Safety and attendance incentive bonuses, fringe and Cost of Living Allowance, all normal on construction projects were not observed by the company. In violation of the Retrenchment and Severance Benefit Act, the company did not observe the 45 day notice period for redundancy and instead observed a 14 day notice period. On rain-days workers are forced to absorb losses, although rain days are normally factored into contract bids. Wages are way below industry standards. Skilled workers are paid less than government daily paid labourers. There were grouses over vacation pay and the length of the probationary period. Workers are arbitrarily reclassified and forced to work outside of the classification for which they signed up and the performance appraisal system is said to be slipshod, subjective and liable to be used to discriminate and intimidate workers. One of the most important issues raised by the workers was the use of expatriate labour in areas where local labour was competent and available. Workers, while conceding that in certain circumstances there may be need for expatriate workers, argued that local sources should be exhaustively searched before expatriate labour was brought in. Aaron Moyne, Labour Relations Officer of the OWTU was assigned to handle lead the negotiations. |
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