DISCLAIMER

The following jointly developed media release (see full statement below) describes the outcome of an initial meeting held between the ECA – as the largest representative of employers in T&T, and representatives of the Trade Union Movement. This meeting was held on Friday, 13^th August 2021 at the invitation of the Trade Union Movement, consistent with similar meetings that have occurred with other Business Associations. Since trade unions play an integral role in our industrial relations system, the ECA felt it was important to facilitate this request and, as far as possible, collaboratively address several issues pertinent to the world of work, in the context of the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a responsible social partner, we believe that such conversations are not only vital to discussing matters of national importance and for maintaining industrial peace, but also for providing employers with relevant guidance that will significantly reduce the possibility of numerous trade disputes and costly litigation, which we know most businesses would like to avoid at this time.

ECA Members are encouraged to contact us should any further clarification or specific advice be required.

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[ARANGUEZ, 14 JULY 2021] — From the onset, it is important to establish that the Employers’ Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA) supports our national vaccination efforts and the aim of getting to “herd immunity”. All available research to date indicates that vaccination provides one of the best opportunities to return to some level of normalcy, to realise the reopening of business and economic activity, the restoration of jobs and livelihoods for all employee groups, return to live classroom learning for students, and to protect the safety and health of all citizens.