Development+of+TU (2)

8/6/2019 Development+of+TU (2)

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Trade Unionism inTrade Unionism in

Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago


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Trade Unionism in TrinidadTrade Unionism in Trinidad

and Tobago: Phases inand Tobago: Phases in

DevelopmentDevelopmentThree phases in development can beThree phases in development can bediscerned in the case of Trade Unions indiscerned in the case of Trade Unions inTrinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago::

1.1. The first is the period of formation andThe first is the period of formation andmobilisation from the early 1930s tomobilisation from the early 1930s toindependence.independence.

2.2. The second phase was the postThe second phase was the post

independence period when the relationshipindependence period when the relationshipbetween the state and the labour movementbetween the state and the labour movementassumed a legal character in an often hostileassumed a legal character in an often hostileenvironment.environment.


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3.3. Thirdly the period of SAPs whichThirdly the period of SAPs whichfocused on the role of the trade union atfocused on the role of the trade union at

industry, as an activist in promotingindustry, as an activist in promotingflexibility, efficiency and productivity.flexibility, efficiency and productivity.


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The first periodThe first period

In the first two decades of the twentiethIn the first two decades of the twentiethcentury the colony of Trinidad wascentury the colony of Trinidad was

characterised by conditions ofcharacterised by conditions ofunemployment, high inflation, poor workingunemployment, high inflation, poor workingconditions, maltreatment of workers andconditions, maltreatment of workers anddeplorable health standards.deplorable health standards.

This period was considered asThis period was considered as the precursorthe precursorto a watershed period of labour unrest in theto a watershed period of labour unrest in the1930s1930s


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On the sugar plantations working conditions

On the sugar plantations working conditionswere deplorable, unemployment was rampant,were deplorable, unemployment was rampant,

low wages prohibited the purchase of basiclow wages prohibited the purchase of basicconsumption goods, the industrial climate wasconsumption goods, the industrial climate was

marred by retrenchment and laymarred by retrenchment and lay--offs, the twooffs, the twofactories had lowered expenditure on wages byfactories had lowered expenditure on wages by70% and 40% respectively, the constabulary70% and 40% respectively, the constabulary(police) aggravated the situation by adopting(police) aggravated the situation by adopting

repressive measures (firing into crowds, randomrepressive measures (firing into crowds, randomarrests of labourers), at times filling the local jailarrests of labourers), at times filling the local jailhouse (Basdeo 1983: 114)house (Basdeo 1983: 114)


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In addition to internal conditions, externalIn addition to internal conditions, external

conditions also generated the spirit andconditions also generated the spirit andvigour for workers action.vigour for workers action.

Externally, the growth of democraticExternally, the growth of democraticideals, socialism, trade union recognitionideals, socialism, trade union recognitionand industrial unrest gave a new outlookand industrial unrest gave a new outlookto the workers in Trinidad.to the workers in Trinidad.

During the early years of the twentiethDuring the early years of the twentieth

century the major labour organisation tocentury the major labour organisation toprovide a voice for labour was the Trinidadprovide a voice for labour was the TrinidadWorkingmen's Association (TWA).Workingmen's Association (TWA).


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During this period industrial relations and tradeDuring this period industrial relations and tradeunionism were at their embryonic stage. Nounionism were at their embryonic stage. No

labour codes or collective bargaining procedureslabour codes or collective bargaining procedureswere established, the mass of sugar workerswere established, the mass of sugar workersacted independently of the TWAacted independently of the TWA

Although a Trade Union Ordinance was passedAlthough a Trade Union Ordinance was passedin 1932, at the insistence of Lord Passfield, thisin 1932, at the insistence of Lord Passfield, thislaw did not include provisions for peacefullaw did not include provisions for peacefulpicketing and did not protect the unions againstpicketing and did not protect the unions against

actions of tort. As such only five (small) unionsactions of tort. As such only five (small) unionswere registered between 1932were registered between 1932--1937 (Jacobs:1937 (Jacobs:1971:15).1971:15).


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It was against this background ofIt was against this background ofdeplorable sociodeplorable socio--economic conditions andeconomic conditions anda poor industrial climate that the mass ofa poor industrial climate that the mass ofworkers mobilised in 1934workers mobilised in 1934--38 period. The38 period. Thepolitical system was that of an employerpolitical system was that of an employer--oriented administration representingoriented administration representingimperial interest and the local businessimperial interest and the local business

class (Ramdin 1982:85)[1].class (Ramdin 1982:85)[1].


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The objectives of labour were both politicalThe objectives of labour were both political

and industrial. Labour demands includedand industrial. Labour demands includedimmunity for trade unions from claims forimmunity for trade unions from claims fordamages resulting from strike, immunitydamages resulting from strike, immunityfrom charges of conspiracy, the right tofrom charges of conspiracy, the right to

peaceful picketing, minimum wagepeaceful picketing, minimum wagelegislation, the fortylegislation, the forty--hour week, old agehour week, old agepension, national health insurance andpension, national health insurance and

sickness benefit.sickness benefit.


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Political demands included British WestPolitical demands included British WestIndian Federation, universal adult suffrageIndian Federation, universal adult suffragefor a local assembly, a curtailment to thefor a local assembly, a curtailment to thepowers of the governor, free compulsorypowers of the governor, free compulsoryelementary education, nationalisation ofelementary education, nationalisation ofthe sugar industry and state ownership ofthe sugar industry and state ownership ofpublic utilities (Greenwood and Hamberpublic utilities (Greenwood and Hamber

1981: 27)1981: 27)


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This is an important juncture since itThis is an important juncture since it

ushered in a period when the struggle forushered in a period when the struggle forbetter working conditions and higher paybetter working conditions and higher paywas tied to political demands. It begins aswas tied to political demands. It begins aswell the confluence of an industrial andwell the confluence of an industrial and

political agenda by the trade unionpolitical agenda by the trade unionmovement.movement.

However the reformist approach to tradeHowever the reformist approach to tradeunionism was premised upon restrictingunionism was premised upon restrictingunion activities to economic issues, ruleunion activities to economic issues, rule--making and mediation of conflict whichmaking and mediation of conflict whichconfined trade unions to the workplaceconfined trade unions to the workplace


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The reformist approach presented a sharpThe reformist approach presented a sharp

ideological divide within labour leadership.ideological divide within labour leadership.By confining union activity to theBy confining union activity to theworkplace amidst an expanding industrialworkplace amidst an expanding industrialworkforce giving rise to the emergence ofworkforce giving rise to the emergence ofthe industrial union model. Reddockthe industrial union model. Reddocknoted that this model transformed thenoted that this model transformed thelabour movement into a trade unionlabour movement into a trade union

movement.movement.


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The British government had appointed theThe British government had appointed the

Foster Commission (1938) to investigateFoster Commission (1938) to investigatethe disturbances. The Commissionthe disturbances. The Commissionreported that there was a regrettablereported that there was a regrettableabsence of consultative and negotiatingabsence of consultative and negotiatingmachinery to address labour managementmachinery to address labour managementproblems.problems.


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The Industrial Court, although enacted byThe Industrial Court, although enacted by

Ordinance in 1920, was not constituted, aOrdinance in 1920, was not constituted, aDepartment of Labour was not established,Department of Labour was not established,although recommended by the Secretary ofalthough recommended by the Secretary ofState for the Colonies in 1935, there wasState for the Colonies in 1935, there waswidespread violation ofILO conventions onwidespread violation ofILO conventions onminimum wages and working conditionsminimum wages and working conditionsand there was no means of addressingand there was no means of addressing

grievances through collective bargaininggrievances through collective bargainingmachinery (Sultanmachinery (Sultan--Khan 1982:68Khan 1982:68--75).75).


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The Foster Commission recommended theThe Foster Commission recommended the

enactment of laws to protect trade unionsenactment of laws to protect trade unionsfrom actions for damages arising fromfrom actions for damages arising fromstrikes, legislation guaranteeing peacefulstrikes, legislation guaranteeing peaceful

picketing, the compulsory registration ofpicketing, the compulsory registration oftrade unions and the establishment of atrade unions and the establishment of aLabour Department responsible forLabour Department responsible forconciliation between union and employerconciliation between union and employer

and for taking up the grievances ofand for taking up the grievances ofunorganised workersunorganised workers


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The period 1937The period 1937--45, described as the45, described as the

formative years were characterised by aformative years were characterised by amushrooming of trade unions. The Britishmushrooming of trade unions. The Britishgovernment actively pursued thegovernment actively pursued theencouragement of trade unions along theencouragement of trade unions along the

responsible union model based uponresponsible union model based uponcollective bargaining and the goal ofcollective bargaining and the goal ofmaintaining industrial peace.maintaining industrial peace.


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In 1937 there were six major trade unions inIn 1937 there were six major trade unions inTrinidad.Trinidad.

The Amalgamated Building and WoodworkersThe Amalgamated Building and WoodworkersUnion, reg. 1936;Union, reg. 1936;

The Federated Workers Trade Union, reg. 1937The Federated Workers Trade Union, reg. 1937 The Oilfield Workers Trade Union, reg. 1937The Oilfield Workers Trade Union, reg. 1937 The Seamen and Waterfront Workers TradeThe Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade

Union, reg. 1937Union, reg. 1937 The Public Works and Public Service WorkersThe Public Works and Public Service Workers

Trade Union, reg. 1937Trade Union, reg. 1937

The All Trinidad Sugar Estates and FactoriesThe All Trinidad Sugar Estates and FactoriesWorkers Trade Union, reg. 1937 (RamdinWorkers Trade Union, reg. 1937 (Ramdin1982:143).1982:143).


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This number had increased to forty byThis number had increased to forty by1951 and sixty1951 and sixty--four in 1958. The Britishfour in 1958. The Britishgovernment also provided support to thegovernment also provided support to thelocal labour movement with the intent onlocal labour movement with the intent on

orienting West Indian trade unionists toorienting West Indian trade unionists tothe practice and norms of the TUC inthe practice and norms of the TUC inLondonLondon..

The period was also characterised by theThe period was also characterised by thestrengthening of trade unionstrengthening of trade union--political partypolitical partyalliances in the British West Indies.alliances in the British West Indies.


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Trinidad and Tobago differed in that whileTrinidad and Tobago differed in that while

the unionists offered themselves for highthe unionists offered themselves for highpolitical office, by the 1950s it was apolitical office, by the 1950s it was agrowing middle class group of politiciansgrowing middle class group of politicianswho captured the imagination and votes ofwho captured the imagination and votes ofthe electorate. Such intellectualthe electorate. Such intellectualpersonalities as historian Dr. Eric Williamspersonalities as historian Dr. Eric Williamsand a mathematician Dr. Rudranathand a mathematician Dr. Rudranath

Capideo came to dominate the politicalCapideo came to dominate the politicalstage, both with the support of trade unionstage, both with the support of trade unionconstituencies.constituencies.


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The Independence Era andThe Independence Era and

the ISA/IRAthe ISA/IRA At the pre independence period theAt the pre independence period the

government of the Peoples National Movementgovernment of the Peoples National Movement

(PNM) embarked upon a mixed economy(PNM) embarked upon a mixed economyapproach to capitalist development.approach to capitalist development.

This development strategy was based on theThis development strategy was based on thebelief that Anglobelief that Anglo--American finance capital wasAmerican finance capital was

essential to development. Governmentessential to development. Governmentadopted the industrialisation by invitationadopted the industrialisation by invitationprogramme based on the Puerto Rican model.programme based on the Puerto Rican model.


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This required inducing foreign capital by aThis required inducing foreign capital by afavourable taxation and business environment.favourable taxation and business environment.

At full independence in 1962 this developmentAt full independence in 1962 this developmentstrategy would lead, according to thestrategy would lead, according to thegovernment, into an operations job programgovernment, into an operations job programwhich was meant to absorb employment intowhich was meant to absorb employment into

selected nonselected non--agricultural sectors, such as poweragricultural sectors, such as powerand water supply, communications, health andand water supply, communications, health andeducation.education.

Such a privately financed industrialisationSuch a privately financed industrialisationscheme was premised upon attracting externalscheme was premised upon attracting externalsources of funds through investment, loans andsources of funds through investment, loans anddevelopment aid (Ramdin 1982:186).development aid (Ramdin 1982:186).


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The economic benefits of this approachThe economic benefits of this approach

were however negligible, between thewere however negligible, between theperiod 1962period 1962--1967 capital investment fell1967 capital investment fellby 13% from $ 295 mn to $ 255 mnby 13% from $ 295 mn to $ 255 mn[1][1](Ryan 1972: 387). The results in terms of(Ryan 1972: 387). The results in terms of

jobs were unflattering and operation jobsjobs were unflattering and operation jobsnever materialised.never materialised.

In this period the exchange rate was US $In this period the exchange rate was US $

1 = TT $ 2.1 = TT $ 2.


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When the privately financedWhen the privately financedindustrialisation program failed to deliverindustrialisation program failed to deliverjobs, the state sector expanded rapidlyjobs, the state sector expanded rapidlyand came to the rescue.and came to the rescue.

However unemployment increased fromHowever unemployment increased from

6% in 1956 to 15% in 1966, albeit in a6% in 1956 to 15% in 1966, albeit in alabour market that was growing at 4% perlabour market that was growing at 4% peryear (Ryan 1972).year (Ryan 1972).

In 1963 it was estimated thatIn 1963 it was estimated thatunemployment had reached 90,000unemployment had reached 90,000(Ramdin 1982:187,199).(Ramdin 1982:187,199).


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Against the background of massiveAgainst the background of massiveunemployment there had been nounemployment there had been nosignificant attempt by the new independentsignificant attempt by the new independentgovernment to curtail the abusive powersgovernment to curtail the abusive powersof employers and better the wages andof employers and better the wages and

working conditions of those employed.working conditions of those employed. The dissatisfaction of labour at the failureThe dissatisfaction of labour at the failure

of the state to improve its plight was overtof the state to improve its plight was overt

and extensive. While in 1957 strikingand extensive. While in 1957 strikingworkers had numbered only 400, betweenworkers had numbered only 400, between19601960--1964 the number of workers involved1964 the number of workers involvedin some 230 strikes stood at 74,475in some 230 strikes stood at 74,475


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Industrial action was on the rise in suchIndustrial action was on the rise in such

industries as sugar, oil, the public utilities,industries as sugar, oil, the public utilities,construction and the transport andconstruction and the transport andcommunication sectors.communication sectors.

The response to such industrial conflictThe response to such industrial conflict

was to embark upon a course of decisivewas to embark upon a course of decisivestate intervention in industrial relations.state intervention in industrial relations.

The state intervened to quell industrialThe state intervened to quell industrialaction and to provide a stable environmentaction and to provide a stable environmentwhich would minimise uncertainty andwhich would minimise uncertainty andallow for economic planning.allow for economic planning.


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By 1965 the state assumed a role asBy 1965 the state assumed a role as

mediator, umpire and rule maker tomediator, umpire and rule maker toprepare the social and economic climateprepare the social and economic climatefor rapid industrialisation. Trinidad andfor rapid industrialisation. Trinidad andTobago had at this historical junctureTobago had at this historical juncture

abandoned the laissez faire voluntaryabandoned the laissez faire voluntarypolicy towards industrial relations andpolicy towards industrial relations andbegan a period characterised by a processbegan a period characterised by a process

of legalistic system of industrial relations.of legalistic system of industrial relations.


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A state of emergency was declared inA state of emergency was declared in

March 1965 and the government passed,March 1965 and the government passed,in one sitting, the controversial Industrialin one sitting, the controversial IndustrialStabilisation Act (ISA No. 8 of 1965).Stabilisation Act (ISA No. 8 of 1965).

The ISA was enacted with great haste, itThe ISA was enacted with great haste, itwas debated for only two days and waswas debated for only two days and waspassed by both the House ofpassed by both the House of

Representatives and the Senate on 19thRepresentatives and the Senate on 19thMarch 1965, and assented to on 20thMarch 1965, and assented to on 20thMarch 1965 (Chaudhary 1977:124).March 1965 (Chaudhary 1977:124).


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The ISA was used to clamp down onThe ISA was used to clamp down on

industrial action. However, the governmentindustrial action. However, the governmentwas also aiming to deal with what werewas also aiming to deal with what weredefined as subversive elements i.e. leftistdefined as subversive elements i.e. leftistactivists in the trade union movement.activists in the trade union movement.

The ISA represented the states attempt toThe ISA represented the states attempt toregain social control by institutionalisingregain social control by institutionalisingindustrial relations.industrial relations.


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However industrial peace was short lived.However industrial peace was short lived.

A worsening social and economic climateA worsening social and economic climatecoupled with unrelenting struggle andcoupled with unrelenting struggle andprotests by trade unionists, theprotests by trade unionists, the

parliamentary opposition and universityparliamentary opposition and universitystudents ushered in what became knownstudents ushered in what became knownas the Black Power Demonstrations ofas the Black Power Demonstrations of1970.1970.


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The government was able to ride out the storm.The government was able to ride out the storm.In the aftermath, with the industrial relationsIn the aftermath, with the industrial relationsscene still in pieces a new Industrial Relationsscene still in pieces a new Industrial Relations

Act 1972 (IRA No. 23 of 1972) was introduced.Act 1972 (IRA No. 23 of 1972) was introduced.

Chaudhary notes that the change fromChaudhary notes that the change from

Industrial Stabilisation to Industrial Relations isIndustrial Stabilisation to Industrial Relations issimply a change in terminology and not asimply a change in terminology and not achange in substance so far as the provisionschange in substance so far as the provisionsrelating to the system of compulsory arbitrationrelating to the system of compulsory arbitration

for the settlement of industrial disputes arefor the settlement of industrial disputes areconcerned (1977: 139)concerned (1977: 139)


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At the end of this last phase of legalAt the end of this last phase of legal

intervention the state maintained the rightintervention the state maintained the rightto confer legal status on unions, determineto confer legal status on unions, determinetheir bargaining units, subject disputes totheir bargaining units, subject disputes tocompulsory arbitration, issue bindingcompulsory arbitration, issue binding

decisions and legally stop strike action.decisions and legally stop strike action. The oil boom came as a boon to theThe oil boom came as a boon to the

government which was shaky in the earlygovernment which was shaky in the early1970s. The state suddenly had much more1970s. The state suddenly had much more

resources with which to effect aresources with which to effect aredistribution via several welfareredistribution via several welfareprograms.programs.


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The membership of the trade unionsThe membership of the trade unions

increased markedly in the 1970s.increased markedly in the 1970s. The early 1980s can be considered as theThe early 1980s can be considered as the

high point in union membership. In thehigh point in union membership. In the19791979--82 period the Industrial Court82 period the Industrial Courtregistered a record 600 collectiveregistered a record 600 collectiveagreements. While 40 trade unions wereagreements. While 40 trade unions wereregistered in 1951, by 1982 this numberregistered in 1951, by 1982 this number

had moved to 101had moved to 101


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At the enterprise level poor labourAt the enterprise level poor labour

management relations, abusivemanagement relations, abusivemanagement practices and violations ofmanagement practices and violations ofexisting collective agreements allexisting collective agreements all

contributed to heighten industrial action. Incontributed to heighten industrial action. Infact 30% more disputes were reported infact 30% more disputes were reported inthe period 1972the period 1972--1979 compared to the1979 compared to theperiod 1965period 1965--1972. Most of the work1972. Most of the work

stoppages were in the sugar and oilstoppages were in the sugar and oilindustries.industries.


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The escalation in industrial conflict andThe escalation in industrial conflict and

struggles on the political front led to thestruggles on the political front led to thelabour movement intervening directly inlabour movement intervening directly inthe political process.the political process.

A more militant trade union movementA more militant trade union movementencompassing the leftist Council ofencompassing the leftist Council ofProgressive Trade Unions (CPTU) wasProgressive Trade Unions (CPTU) wasinstrumental in forging a union basedinstrumental in forging a union based

political party, the United Labour Frontpolitical party, the United Labour Front(ULF).(ULF).


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The ULF won 10 seats (in a 36 seatThe ULF won 10 seats (in a 36 seatLegislature) in the 1976 general election.Legislature) in the 1976 general election.

However, splits over ideology, personality,However, splits over ideology, personality,organisation and program saw thisorganisation and program saw thismovement decline in the late 1970s.movement decline in the late 1970s.

It is significant that this was the first tradeIt is significant that this was the first tradeunion based political party to emerge withunion based political party to emerge withany degree of success on the politicalany degree of success on the political

stage.stage.


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Two major union Confederations were firmlyTwo major union Confederations were firmlyestablished by the 1970s, the leftist CPTU,established by the 1970s, the leftist CPTU,

founded in 1972 included the traditionally militantfounded in 1972 included the traditionally militantOWTU and was affiliated to the WFTU and theOWTU and was affiliated to the WFTU and theTrinidad and Tobago Labour Congress (TTLC),Trinidad and Tobago Labour Congress (TTLC),founded in 1966 and affiliated to the ICFTU andfounded in 1966 and affiliated to the ICFTU and

the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL)the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) According to Trade Unions of The World, byAccording to Trade Unions of The World, by

1991 the CPTU had 12 affiliates with a1991 the CPTU had 12 affiliates with amembership of 28,000, while the TTLC had amembership of 28,000, while the TTLC had a

membership of 58,811 and included 4 of themembership of 58,811 and included 4 of thelargest trade unions in Trinidad and Tobago.largest trade unions in Trinidad and Tobago.


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The expansion in trade union membership cameThe expansion in trade union membership cameas a result of the increased levels ofas a result of the increased levels ofemployment in the state sector and legislativeemployment in the state sector and legislativesupport i.e. protection in law, the checksupport i.e. protection in law, the check--offoffsystem, compulsory recognition.system, compulsory recognition.

However by the early 1980s, in the aftermath ofHowever by the early 1980s, in the aftermath of

the oil boom another dire set of economicthe oil boom another dire set of economiccircumstances were to have a severe impactcircumstances were to have a severe impactupon trade union membership and growth.upon trade union membership and growth.

Trade Unions andTrade Unions and

Structural AdjustmentStructural Adjustment


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The period of prosperity ended in the earlyThe period of prosperity ended in the early1980s due to a combination of factors such as1980s due to a combination of factors such as

(i) the drastic reduction in the price of oil;(i) the drastic reduction in the price of oil;(ii) the reduction in local crude production;(ii) the reduction in local crude production;

(iii) high levels of expenditure on imports and(iii) high levels of expenditure on imports and

(iv) substantial increases in net outflows.(iv) substantial increases in net outflows.

Trinidad and Tobago had also failed to diversifyTrinidad and Tobago had also failed to diversifyits economy with the oil revenues and remainedits economy with the oil revenues and remainedin a monoin a mono--culture dependency characteristic ofculture dependency characteristic ofplantation economies.plantation economies.

The economy remained vulnerable to world oilThe economy remained vulnerable to world oilprices which provided for government revenue,prices which provided for government revenue,foreign exchange to finance imports and serviceforeign exchange to finance imports and servicethe debt.the debt.


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Unemployment increased from 10% inUnemployment increased from 10% in

1982 to 17% in 1986 and rose to 22% in1982 to 17% in 1986 and rose to 22% in1989.1989.

Unemployment increased from 10% inUnemployment increased from 10% in1982 to 17% in 1986 and rose to 22% in1982 to 17% in 1986 and rose to 22% in

1989.1989. This paved the way for privatisation andThis paved the way for privatisation and

divestment of state assets (a process stilldivestment of state assets (a process still

in train in 1998), trade liberalisation,in train in 1998), trade liberalisation,removal of the negative list and the liftingremoval of the negative list and the liftingof restrictions on the importation ofof restrictions on the importation ofsubsidised foreign goodssubsidised foreign goods


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Between 1985Between 1985--1993, 1,694 businesses1993, 1,694 businesses

went out of operation and 6,698 workerswent out of operation and 6,698 workerswere retrenched in the private and publicwere retrenched in the private and publicsectorssectors

I

n 1992 the Minister of Labour reported toI

n 1992 the Minister of Labour reported tothe ILO that 10,000 cases of retrenchmentthe ILO that 10,000 cases of retrenchmentwere reported to his Ministry betweenwere reported to his Ministry between19861986--19901990


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The situation was further aggravated byThe situation was further aggravated by

many employer initiated measures such asmany employer initiated measures such asthe wage freeze (1983), the removal ofthe wage freeze (1983), the removal ofcost of living allowance (COLA) (1987), acost of living allowance (COLA) (1987), a10% cut in wages and salaries (1989),10% cut in wages and salaries (1989),excessive retrenchment with or withoutexcessive retrenchment with or withoutseverance pay, lockouts and theseverance pay, lockouts and thereplacement of collective agreements byreplacement of collective agreements by

individual contracts.individual contracts.


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The impact of industrial restructuringThe impact of industrial restructuringintrinsic to adjustment programs meantintrinsic to adjustment programs meantthat there were closures of businesses,that there were closures of businesses,retrenchment and downsizing in the publicretrenchment and downsizing in the publicand private sector.and private sector.

In the early 1990s the number of collectiveIn the early 1990s the number of collectiveagreements registered at the Industrialagreements registered at the IndustrialCourt often number less than 100Court often number less than 100


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By June 1988 there were 126 unionsBy June 1988 there were 126 unionsregistered under the Trade Union Actregistered under the Trade Union Act

(1950). Only 25 of these were actively(1950). Only 25 of these were activelyinvolved in representing workers by way ofinvolved in representing workers by way ofan enforceable collective agreement andan enforceable collective agreement anddispute processing mechanismsdispute processing mechanisms(Ramsubeik 1990:99).(Ramsubeik 1990:99).

As at December 1997 the Ministry ofAs at December 1997 the Ministry ofLabour listed the number of trade unionsLabour listed the number of trade unions

as 104.as 104. Thirty unions/associations were dissolvedThirty unions/associations were dissolved

or cancelled between 1992or cancelled between 1992--1997.1997.


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In the period of adjustment, during theIn the period of adjustment, during the1980s and 1990s the business1980s and 1990s the businessenvironment and a wrecked labour marketenvironment and a wrecked labour marketplayed havoc with the trade unionplayed havoc with the trade unionmovement.movement.

Unlike earlier periods when the law andUnlike earlier periods when the law andadministrative instruments imposed controladministrative instruments imposed controland discipline upon unions, the economicand discipline upon unions, the economic

and new labour market conditionsand new labour market conditionsintervened to serve the same purpose byintervened to serve the same purpose byweakening organised labour.weakening organised labour.


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This happened as the state passed theThis happened as the state passed thelevers of control over to the private sectorlevers of control over to the private sector

and retreated from an active, interveningand retreated from an active, interveningrole in the productive sector to that ofrole in the productive sector to that offacilitator in the national economy.facilitator in the national economy.

The incidence of privatisation, businessThe incidence of privatisation, businessclosures and retrenchment which followedclosures and retrenchment which followedfrom opening up the economy tofrom opening up the economy tocompetition had an adverse effect oncompetition had an adverse effect on

union membership and industrial relationsunion membership and industrial relationsoutcomes, such as wage and employmentoutcomes, such as wage and employmentfreezes.freezes.


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Today the unions are on the backToday the unions are on the back--footfoot

fending off attacks on job security andfending off attacks on job security andwages.wages.

However there is also a contradiction inHowever there is also a contradiction inthat although one observes the decline inthat although one observes the decline inmembership and loss of ascendancy atmembership and loss of ascendancy atthe workplace, there is a growingthe workplace, there is a growingwillingness to listen to and involve tradewillingness to listen to and involve trade

unions in a broader economic and socialunions in a broader economic and socialrole.role.


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In conclusion, three phases can be discerned inIn conclusion, three phases can be discerned inthe historical development of Trade Unions inthe historical development of Trade Unions inthe case of Trinidad and Tobago.the case of Trinidad and Tobago.

The first is the period of formation andThe first is the period of formation andmobilisation from the early 1930s tomobilisation from the early 1930s to

independence. The accent then was on theindependence. The accent then was on theindustrial and political struggles of unions. Theindustrial and political struggles of unions. Thecrown colonial establishment encouraged andcrown colonial establishment encouraged andtolerated a union movement which wastolerated a union movement which was

perceived as having a useful role to play inperceived as having a useful role to play inmaintaining industrial stability and increasingmaintaining industrial stability and increasingproduction.production.


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The second phase was the post independenceThe second phase was the post independenceperiod when the relationship between the stateperiod when the relationship between the stateand the labour movement assumed a legaland the labour movement assumed a legalcharacter in an often hostile environment.character in an often hostile environment.

And finally the period of SAPs which focused onAnd finally the period of SAPs which focused on

the role of the trade union at industry, as anthe role of the trade union at industry, as anactivist in promoting flexibility, efficiency andactivist in promoting flexibility, efficiency andproductivity. Here the emphasis is on unionproductivity. Here the emphasis is on unioninvolvement at industry in enterprise policyinvolvement at industry in enterprise policy

making and at tripartite foray in drafting nationalmaking and at tripartite foray in drafting nationalsocial and labour legislation.social and labour legislation.


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While it is possible to identify shifts inWhile it is possible to identify shifts in

industrial relations patterns and changingindustrial relations patterns and changingroles of the unions (from political toroles of the unions (from political toeconomic and back to political), these areeconomic and back to political), these areresponses to state policy which shifts backresponses to state policy which shifts backand forth in response to political andand forth in response to political andeconomic developments (Adamseconomic developments (Adams1994:59).1994:59).


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