Soldiers, cops fill in during go-slow at Piarco, Crown Point airports

(Trinidad Express) – Police and army personnel were called out to assist with security at Piarco International Airport and Crown Point International Airport on Tuesday.

Law-enforcement officers and soldiers were needed to counter action by security officers and employees of the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago at both venues.
The workers who did show up embarked on go-slow, because they were said to be upset about outstanding job negotiations between the Airports Authority and the Public Services Association.

At Piarco, army and police officials were called out as additional reinforcement, since security was low. Checks at Crown Point indicated that, out of a shift of 20, in some instances, only four workers were on duty.

The cargo and ramp areas were affected.

There was no interruption of flights to and from both airports.

Estate Police Association representative Curtis Joseph said he was aware of the matter and more severe action was scheduled for yesterday.

PSA president Watson Duke said: “The PSA and Airports Authority have been in negotiations for some time, and in order for the process to be completed Airports Authority negotiators are withholding a crucial document, in an effort to frustrate workers and defeat them financially,” Duke said.

The Airports Authority said operations at the airport were not affected by the sickout.

“Airlines have maintained their flight schedules at the two international airports,” the authority said.