Philipsburg: --- Several local contractors are coming together to fight against what they described as unfair treatment from the island government and larger companies such as Windward Roads and Koop. The local contractors are represented by the United Front Labour Union.
President of the United Front Willy Haize said this matter of unfairness has been going on for a few years now and each time they try to resolve the issues is like fighting a loosing battle. He said the island government has been awarding all their contracts to the larger companies such as Windward Road or Koop since these companies are under bidding to win the contracts from government. Even though government made it clear to these companies that local contractors have to be sub-contracted, the larger companies he said does not live up to the agreement with the island government.
Haize said the commissioner of Public Works Theo Heyliger had already indicated that locals must be given their fair share of work, but this he said is not the case. Haize said they already know at least two commissioners are in favor of the locals but they need all eleven members of the island council to stand behind these local companies who are struggling to survive. "I don't want to hear about opposition because all of these members were elected to represent the people and they should do just that if this island is to move forward without civil unrest.
Haize said that he feels this is the time for government to roll up their sleeves and attack the issues prior to this matter getting out of hand. "The labor policies clearly stated that the locals must have first preferences and this must be implemented. Right now these larger companies are hiring illegal sub-contractors whom they are underpaying which is totally against the laws of the land".
Owner of several heavy equipments Toochie Meyers said that due to the under bidding they are not able to get the contract from government and when they finally get a job from these larger companies they have to working for slave salaries. Meyers said working for these types of monies is one thing but when the heavy equipment breaks down is another thing since they are not able to buy the parts with the monies they earn. Normally heavy equipment should be paid $125 an hour while these larger companies are only paying $95 an hour.
The contractors has planned to send a letter to the Executive Council and Island Council outlining their problems with the hope that those in power would do what is necessary since the Queen on her last visit clearly said she hoped the locals were benefiting from the booming economy.
