Trinidad sales rise on impending strike action

Trinidad Cement Ltd (TCL) has recorded a 30 per cent increase in sales of its cement products as suppliers began stocking up on supplies in preparation for strike action at the Claxton Bay company, the Trinidad Guardian reports.

TCL general manager, Satnarine Bachew, said since news of the workers plan to serve strike notice on the company, there has been a marked increase in purchases. He admitted that the company did not have sufficient supplies to sustain itself over the strike period.
 
“It is almost impossible to have cement supplies for 90 days,” he said. “The stores and hardwares have already started stocking up with all the talk of strike...Stores are well stocked with cement at this time.

“There was a rush yesterday (Saturday) and Friday, with a 30 per cent increase in the purchase of cement products, including bags and bulk.” Bachew said while the negotiating team had not scheduled any meetings with the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), the company was ready to continue negotiations.
 
“We are committed to settling this matter as soon as is possible and in amicable way.”  Bachew said once the strike notice was served, TCL would need at least 24 hours to ensure its kilns were shut down safely. Any strike action, he warned, would translate into a loss of sales, revenue and production.