We met Caliz at the demonstration led by the KHMH Workers union as they launched phase one of their industrial action campaign.
That union is demanding the government pay pensions for workers who transitioned more than 20 years ago from the Ministry of Health to the KHMH authority - a statutory board.
Talks have stalled for an extended period and today the union's members went to the streets to get their message across. 7News was there.
This afternoon police were out in numbers at the KHMH as the workers union got ready to launch level one of their industrial action with a demonstration and media sensitization. They are asking the government for pensions for hospital employees who worked there between the years 2000 and 2017.
Andrew Baird, President - KHMHWU
"If there is no pension, then all they take home is severance, which is pittance of what they actually value. There are people who have 20 years or so about to retire and they will go home with nothing."
"So for that, we are asking the government to come back to the table and continue the dialogue so that our employees of the KHMH can go home with peace of mind and that their well-being is well taken care of."
And they chanted their demands down Princess Margaret Drive and onto Central American Boulevard, joined along the way by the teachers union. And they are launching this industrial action against the caution of the Labour Commissioner.
Andrew Baird, President - KHMHWU
"While I have maximum respect for the Labour Commissioner, I believe that she misinterpret the law. It is clear in section 11 of the settlement of dispute act. First of all, section 11, one said that if you have a dispute, you may report it to the Minister of Labour."
"It didn't say shall, it said may. And as far as the other section that talks about strike, the meaning of strike as it is interpreted in the act stated cessation of work and the last time I checked cessation of work means to stop work."
"I don't see how a demonstration means to stop work. I don't see if we say we go slow means that you stop work completely. So I beg to defer with the LC. And of course, we are guided by our legal team as well."
Reporter
"Is it to say then that there's nobody out here that's supposed to be on duty right now and they're out here protesting?"
Andrew Baird, President - KHMHWU
"The services of Karl Heusner is not interrupted while we demonstrate and protest for what we really deserve."
And with public pressure they have made progress with the Ministry of Health agreeing to a meeting.
Andrew Baird, President - KHMHWU
"We have already received a letter today from the Minister of Health, stating that they are willing to continue dialogue on the fifth of next month."
"So next week we go to the table."
So today the Union spirit was high. Let's see how it will be in a week after they meet with the Ministry.
Email
Print