All branches of the Works Credit Union were closed on Monday as employees embarked on industrial action, disrupting operations at locations in Port of Spain, Arima, San Fernando and Tobago.
The strike follows years of stalled wage talks, with workers condemning salary offers of 1% to 4% despite the credit union’s multimillion-dollar earnings.
Speaking during Monday’s protest outside the credit union’s Port of Spain headquarters, Works Credit Union representative Curtis McCaine said the action was driven by workers’ demands for fair compensation.
“Without we, without the workers’ labour, you would not have been able to make those millions. So, by way of making millions, give us what is fair and just.”
He said repeated requests for negotiations since 2024 had received little response, with management meeting union representatives once, in April 2026, following intervention by the Ministry of Labour.
Meanwhile, Labour Relations Officer Hayden Hernandez said the Board met last week but failed to address the issue of salary increases.
“They sent a letter to me on Thursday, saying that they want this thing urgently settled so we would meet in three weeks’ time. That’s how you urgently settled something? In three weeks’ time? This board has disrespected us from the beginning. They took two years to submit proposals. And when they submitted, they submit 2%. And then they had the Ministry slow-walking us for the last four months. The workers decided enough is enough.”
Mr Hernandez confirmed that all requirements were met before the industrial action began.
“We notified the Minister of Labour. We notified the company of our intent to go on strike. And this was done since the 23rd of the month.”
He said fresh negotiations are scheduled for August 14th, but until an agreement is reached, all four branches nationwide are expected to remain closed.
Mr Hernandez added that 35 employees remain without a pay increase.
Monday marked the first day of the strike, but Mr McCaine warned that industrial action could continue for up to three months if workers’ concerns are not addressed.