BWIA concessions may come earlier Trinidad Guardian 10.18.02 BWIA is making some headway with its attempts to get employee help in cutting costs. Clint Williams, corporate communications manager of the airline, said yesterday they were making some progress in negotiations with the unions. He said it is too early to make statements on agreements, but said they were doing well. Last week employees were asked to accept several concessions in order to help the airline. Previously, CEO Conrad Aleong had said they needed to save US$ 1 million per month in order to survive. The employees are expected to help to meet this goal by taking a reduction in sick leave, vacation time, shift premium, time flight attendants spend off base and by accepting overtime at regular rates. Williams said yesterday discussions are continuing with Acawu, Talpa, Catu and the Managers and Supervisors Association. "We are making some headway. We are starting to get closer to some specific things but it is too easy to give broad statements on agreements," he said. All sides have until October 31 to say what will be done to help the airline but Williams expects to be close to a conclusion by the middle of next week. Meanwhile, general secretary of Natuc, Vincent Cabrera is calling on management to allow workers greater participation in the talks. "There should be the immediate appointment of two workers representatives to the Board," he said. He also stressed there be a detailed turn around plan to ensure any concession in the collective agreement will lead to job security and strict observance of industrial relation practices. Cabrera, who is also president of the Banks, Insurance and General Workers Trade Union, said shareholders should also make concessions and state what they are. He is also calling for a financial audit of the company. The owner of Roger's Trinbago Site: Roj (Roger James) *************************************************** escape email mailto:ejames@escape.ca Trinbago site: http://www.tntisland.com CBC Website http://www.tntisland.com/caribbeanbrassconnection/ The Trinbago Site of the Week: (I95.5FM) http://www.i955fm.com (Radio Station I95.5FM) courtesy of Roj Trinbago Website & TnT Web Directory Roj's Trinbago Website: http://www.tntisland.com TnT Web Directory: http://search.co.tt *********************************************************