WIOC STRIKE ENDS

Workers of the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) have returned to work.
Minister of Public Safety and Labour, Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin told OBSERVER media that outstanding matters were pleasingly resolved and staff members have returned to work today, after a successful meeting with stakeholders of the company following strike actions by workers yesterday.
He said: “It was an amicable meeting; the pressing issues were resolved and the matter will take its course.”
About 45 WIOC employees walked off their jobs on advice from the Antigua Trades & Labour Union (AT&LU). Their actions were in solidarity with Richard Samuel, a shop steward and former operator in the terminal department who was fired in June.
Ralph Potter Industrial Relations Officer of the (AT&LU) said Samuel’s firing is “one of the most wicked acts” he has seen since he got into industrial relations in 1980.
Samuels, a senior employee, who served the company for 16 years was terminated on the company’s claim that they could not trust and rely on him.