BIGWU: Government recruiting for positions already filled

Scores of people gather outside of the Unemployment Relief Programme office in Princes Town for the recruitment drive on October 23. - Photo by Innis Francis

THE Banking, Insurance and General Workers’ Union (BIGWU) has criticised the government’s National Recruitment Drive, describing it as a serious breach of trust as it “includes positions that are currently occupied by existing job holders.”

A media statement signed by president Don Devenish on October 24, the last day of the first phase of the drive, called on the government to immediately withdraw any such advertisements.

The union believes the drive is putting hardworking employees through humiliation and fear.

The union also called on the government to issue a public apology and explanation to the affected employees, and take urgent steps to ensure that this “gross lapse in industrial and human resource practice is never repeated.”

The statement said such action was not merely an administrative oversight but a “serious and reckless blunder” that exposes the government to major legal consequences.

“By publicly advertising positions that are already filled, the government has created a situation that strikes at the very heart of the employment relationship,” the statement said.

“The State is effectively telling that worker, ‘Your job may not be yours any more.’ That is a clear breach of contract and, in law, can amount to constructive dismissal.”

The statement highlighted that such action signals to affected employees that their jobs are insecure or dispensable, and that their tenure can be undermined without consultation or cause.

The statement added, “This is contrary to the principles of good industrial relations practice and inconsistent with the standards expected of an employer, far less the government itself.”

BIGWU believes that the action has profound psychological and economic consequences.

“To see one’s position publicly advertised as vacant is a deeply distressing and humiliating experience. It subjects the employee to unnecessary anxiety, emotional trauma, and the fear of imminent unemployment,” it said.

“Such conduct opens the door for affected workers to seek damages for breach of contract and emotional distress, and loss of reputation, among other remedies, and BIGWU will defend their right to do so.”

The statement went on to say the government, as the largest single employer in the country, bears an even higher duty of care in its treatment of workers.

“It cannot claim to promote employment security on one hand, while on the other, inflict fear and uncertainty on those who are already in its service,” the statement said.

BIGWU stressed that workers are not disposable.

“They are not place-holders. Their rights, dignity, and peace of mind must never be collateral damage in the name of recruitment.

“They are the backbone of this nation, and their dignity and security must never be sacrificed on the altar of poor administration.”

The drive, according to the government, aims to fill critical vacancies, modernise TT’s workforce, and ensure every citizen receives the quality services they deserve.

The government said there are over 20,000 positions open in 25 ministries.

The drive started on October 19 and was scheduled to end at midnight on October 24.