Union Leader Calls Out Corruption at TSTT, Demands 10% Wage Increase

Port of Spain, 27 August 2026 – In a candid interview on I-95.5 FM, a senior representative of the Communication Workers’ Union laid out serious accusations against the management of the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) and outlined the union’s demands for a fair wage increase.\n\nAsked how a recent press conference had been received, the spokesperson answered that the truth is “not popular these days” and singled out the Minister of Public Utilities, Barry Padarat, for backing a TSTT board that the union describes as “anti-union and anti-worker.”\n\nKey points raised during the interview included:\n\n* Alleged board-level corruption – The union claims the board, supported by Minister Padarat, is protecting political appointees who receive “cushy salaries” while ordinary workers, who contributed to a record profit in the past 17 years, see little benefit.\n* Unanswered union appeals – Despite multiple letters and attempts to meet with the minister, the union says it has received no response or acknowledgment from the Ministry of Public Utilities.\n* Demand for a 10% wage increase – The union argues that a 10% raise, amounting to roughly TT$90 million, is justified not only for higher pay but also for job security. The union rejects the notion that a 4% offer ever existed, stating that workers have been offered “zero” in recent negotiations.\n* Historical leadership timeline – The spokesperson recounted the union’s leadership history: Joseph Remy served as Secretary General from 2014-2017, followed by Clyde Elder (now Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities) from 2017-2023. Joanne Ogier was deputy treasurer (2014-2017). The speaker themselves held the Vice-President post (2017-2020) and President role (2020-2023).\n* Staffing and “staff-relief” concerns – The union highlighted a dramatic reduction in staff numbers, describing the current workforce as “skeletal” (250-300 employees). It criticized the misuse of “staff-relief” for long-term positions, noting that the practice should only cover temporary leave such as maternity or vacation.\n* Human Resources shortcomings – The union accused the Chief Human Resources Officer of never meeting with union officials and questioned the contribution of political appointees in HR and corporate services, labeling them as “more in WASA than in TSCT.”\n* Broader labor context – References were made to past union struggles, including the 1953 founding of the CWU, the 1976 election that secured proper representation for workers, and recent retrenchments at TSTT (2018, 2022) that left hundreds unemployed.\n\nThe interview concluded with the union reaffirming its resolve: “We will continue to be balanced, fearless, and relentless in opposing any unfair treatment,” the spokesperson said, urging the government and TSTT management to honour the workers’ rightful share of the company’s profits.\n\nThe interview shines a spotlight on mounting tensions between TSTT’s management, the government, and the Communication Workers’ Union, setting the stage for further negotiations—or possible industrial action—if the union’s demands remain unmet.