The OWTU position with respect to the 2023 Local Government Elections is firstly to fully support the legitimate and just call of the trade union movement for the government to address the REAL bread and butter issues facing the citizens specifically: – Increase of minimum wage, reduction in fuel prices, No NIB penalty for retiring at age 60 and no property tax at this time.

Secondly, the General Council of OWTU unanimously agreed to support the three (3) MSJ candidates for the Point Fortin Borough Corporation. These candidates include General Council member and President of the Trinmar Branch Nigel Whyte for the district of Techier/Guapo, Trinmar officer, Nigel Swan for the district of New Village and Amber Wharton for the district of Hollywood. The Union has always stood with the MSJ and its attempt to fundamentally change the politics and the economic relations of power and we will continue to do so.

Thirdly, the Union acknowledge the decision of the Point a Pierre branch to support UNC candidates in the PAP area as there are no MSJ candidates. Understandably, this was done to ensure the defeat of the PNM as it was their decision to close PETROTRIN and the refinery and therefore placed these comrades and their families on the breadline.

The OWTU wishes to remind the country that whilst the Union attempted to assist putting these comrades along with hundreds more back to work through the acquisition of the Refinery, the PNM government has consistently refused to allow the Union the opportunity to restart the refinery to create jobs and to alleviate much of the pain and suffering of the comrades and the general public as a result of closure of Petrotrin.