Estate Police Officers Protest For Better Salaries

National Petroleum precepted Estate Police Officers protested this morning outside the NP offices in Sea Lots. They say they are displeased because they are working with 2012 salaries and there has been no indication from the Chief Personnel Officer that they are ready to begin negotiations for the next period 2013 to 2016. The officers say that they are being treated with scant courtesy and with less pay in relation to other ranks with less responsibility and who are not permitted to carry armed weapons. In this category are the ‘Watchman,’ who is being paid 40% more, and the ‘Labourer,’ who is making 34% more than the Estate Police Constables. The NP officers do not stand alone. The Estate Police Association says they wrote to the CPO four months ago on behalf of other workers, including those from T&TEC, WASA, the Port Authority and MTS. The Association was also shocked that salaries for NP executives have been increased. They say this is highly unfair and are asking the CPO's office to begin negotiations immediately for the Estate Police Officers.