Winning for Workers - 2024

Halliburton (Trinidad) Limited

21.03.24 - The worker's first twelve years of service were described as "casual" even though he worked full time. This meant that he was not put into the pension plan, which negatively affected his pension benefits on retirement. Although the matter had reached the Industrial Court, the matter was settled bilaterally for $450,000.00.

York Garments Limited

14.03.24 - The worker was retrenched in 2020, and all she wanted was her severance money. The Company refused to give her the statutory 45 days' notice and then wanted to pay her severance in tranches of $1,500 a month. It took four years, but the Industrial Court awarded the worker her statutory severance benefits, her 45 days notice and an additional $15,000 because of the Company's conduct. So the worker is now due to get $66,728.60.

Khan's Gold Design Ltd

13.03.24 - The worker was sent home during COVID-19 and never called back to work despite writing on more than one occasion trying to clarify her status. The Union argued this was effectively a dismissal. The matter was settled in conciliation in the Industrial Court, and the worker will be paid $105,000.

A Shy Employer

13.03.24 - Some guilty employers insist on confidentiality clauses in settlements. This employer should have gone through proper procedures before dismissing this worker. In a Consent Order (that is, a voluntary agreement between the parties) in the Industrial Court, the employer conceded they had not followed good industrial relations practice and agreed to pay the worker $165,000. 

Lafast Motors Limited

12.03.24 - The worker was retrenched without any consultation as required by the Retrenchment and Severance Benefits Act. In conciliation in the Industrial Court, it was agreed that the worker would be paid damages of $50,000.