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.

[ARANGUEZ, 18 June 2021] — We are all aware of the devastating impacts on lives and livelihoods around the world, as a result of measures taken to address a global Pandemic that is well into its second year. Truth be told, the pandemic has also exposed existing structural problems in many countries, including Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), such as extensive informality, deficiencies in education and skills training, weak social protection systems, and economic and social inequalities.

The result was a health crisis turned into an economic and humanitarian disaster.

 [ARANGUEZ, 15 June 2021] — The issue of mandatory vaccination in respect of the COVID-19 virus has been an ongoing topic of discussion around the world,   especially pertaining to the world of work. As a responsible and committed social partner, the Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA)   has been listening, taking into consideration the views currently being expressed by highly credible commentators on the subject locally and across the region,   while conducting its own research.

 Notwithstanding the strong arguments for mandatory vaccination, having considered the views expressed and based on our own findings to date, the ECA’s   position on the subject is that making vaccination mandatory in our jurisdiction must be well-researched and must ensure that inputs from stakeholders at all   levels of society – Government, business, labour and civil society are taken on board before any policy decision is declared or legislation enacted.