Steel Workers Union of Trinidad and Tobago president Timothy Bailey has condemned what he describes as personal attacks against Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) secretary general Joanne Ogeer, warning that union leaders must be free to demand accountability without intimidation.
Bailey pledged his union’s support for Ogeer, the CWU executive and its membership, saying questions about expenditure and governance at TSTT should be answered through constructive dialogue.
“When any trade unionist is attacked for asking legitimate questions, our answer remains: YOU TOUCH ONE — YOU TOUCH ALL!” Bailey said in a statement issued on September 18.
His comments followed what he described as recent developments involving the Minister of Public Utilities, members of TSTT’s management, the CWU and Ogeer.
Bailey said the CWU had raised legitimate questions about transparency, accountability, expenditure, decision-making and governance at the company, including calls for disclosure and scrutiny of managerial practices.
“These are matters that any responsible Recognised Majority Union representing workers is entitled to pursue,” he said.
Bailey maintained that disagreements with a trade union should never become the personal targeting of its representatives.
“We therefore state unequivocally that personal attacks directed at Comrade Sister Joanne Ogeer are unacceptable to the Trade Union Movement,” he said.
The statement did not identify the specific remarks or incidents Bailey considered personal attacks.
However, he warned against any use of public office that could discourage workers’ representatives from raising concerns.
“Public office should never be used in any manner that could reasonably be perceived as intimidating a trade union representative from asking questions on behalf of workers. It should promote constructive dialogue and responsible discussion,” Bailey said.
He argued that trade unions had a responsibility extending beyond negotiating salaries and benefits, including questioning governments, corporations and powerful economic interests over decisions affecting workers.
“They do not exist merely to negotiate wages; they exist to defend workers and challenge decisions that affect them,” he said.
Bailey said the Steel Workers Union stood beside the CWU in defence of the independence and integrity of organised labour.
“The Communication Workers’ Union does not stand alone. Comrade Sister Joanne Ogeer does not stand alone,” he said.
Guardian Media’s calls to the Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath for comment went unanswered.
