C.W.U. Points Fingers at Port, Hints at Sale

The stevedores, however, believe that the Port is purposely delaying negotiations of the CBA; it’s been sixteen months since the last round of negotiations.  CWU President Trujeque says that an agreement must be finalized and signed off sooner rather than later because in the absence of the CBA, issues of pension payouts, among other remunerations, do not take effect.

Dale Trujeque

Dale Trujeque, President, CWU

“There are some undercurrents, the biggest one being that the stevedores firmly believe the Port has been sold even though Mister Vasquez says in the meeting no or a sale may be almost concluded. Either the Port knows or the government knows or both the Port and the Government know and they don’t want to tell the men.  You know why? There are some huge payouts due to these men. And that is what is lighting the fire under them more. So you don’t have a CBA, and so the protection you got with the CBA noh exist and then the Port is likely to sell or done sell.  Well I will tell the government these men will hold everybody accountable for their money. But they will get their money, no matter what, they will get their money.”