A cross section of employees of the Hilton Trinidad, including Dionne Graham, right, who claim they are in danger of losing their jobs, at a press conference at the headquarters of the Communication Workers Union, Henry Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. Photo: Michelle Loubon

By Michelle Loubon

President of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) Joseph Remy yesterday called for a meeting with Prime Minister Patrick Manning to discuss the fate of temporary workers at the Hilton Trinidad, St Ann's

At a press conference at the union’s headquarters at Henry Street, Port-of-Spain, Remy said the workers are facing retrenchment.

He also accused Hilton management, including General Manager Ali Khan, of abusing "break service" from the 100 per cent State-owned hotel.

Remy said he was representing 200 part time workers with 15-28 years of service among them.

Also present were Antonia Chrysostom-Welch, assistant secretary Hilton branch, Ian Haynes, acting chairperson Hilton branch and John Julien secretary general CWU. They were joined by a cross section of disgruntled workers from the laundry, kitchen, housekeeping and restaurant departments of the hotel.

“Temporary workers may face retrenchment. Scores have been sent home under the abused process of break service. Some have been getting part time... two days per week," said Remy.

"These workers are the cornerstone of the hotel and instead of being made permanent are now subjected to abrupt termination, no future pay or severance for service rendered," added Remy.

He said, "CWU calls upon the Manning-led Government to seek first the stability of the employees of Hilton Trinidad before any political union, Commonwealth or FTAA arrangement. "

Chief grouses

Remy said a major issue was that management had been suggesting to workers that they find other jobs.

Khan was heavily attacked.

A CWU statement accused him of:

n displaying “an aggressive, disrespectful and undisguised move to de-unionise the bargaining unit employees, while increasing employment.

n closing three money-making bars, and sending home staff from the Carnival, Gazebo and the Ranchers bars

n removal of non-permanent laundry staff during the week and sending home all non- permanent staff by tomorrow.

n refusal to settle the 2002-05 collective agreements, thereby, ensuring Hilton workers suffer on 2002 salaries.

No COLA by indexation while inflation has risen to 13.3 per cent.

n reduction of rooms to facilitate the building of suites for the upcoming conferences. No audit is being conducted and the employees of Hilton are being terminated and sent on break service to cover up squandering of millions.