Unions seek meeting with PM over protest zones

Thirteen trade unions have formally requested a dialogue with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to address the establishment of 15 no-protest zones. These zones, created under an Emergency Powers Regulations order, restrict demonstrations within 500 meters of key State institutions, including Parliament, airports, the Ministry of Finance, and all police stations.

“

The letter seeks to get an audience with the honourable Prime Minister so that we can find some sort of common ground, some sort of solution to this particular situation in relation to Legal Notice No 40 of 2026, which identified 15 areas where trade unions or any other persons cannot protest within at least 500 metres of those identified areas.

The unions, led by the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA), delivered a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday. TTUTA president Crystal Ashe emphasized that the group is not seeking confrontation but rather an audience with the Prime Minister to find common ground and solutions regarding Legal Notice No 40 of 2026, which outlines these restrictions.

“

So, every time we go somewhere, we have to walk with a measuring tape? That is ridiculous. We are Trinidad and Tobago. We are a democracy.

Ashe described the requirement to stay 500 meters away from these institutions as "ridiculous," questioning why a democratic government would curtail such rights. He stressed that the trade union movement was built on advocating for members and ensuring their voices are heard, stating, "If other persons are not here, we can’t wait for them. We have to do what is necessary because our members are hurting."

“

We are not attacking the Government, let us be clear. We said it on multiple occasions, yet some people have what you call selective hearing and selective memory.

While the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) was not present, Ashe clarified that there is no division among the unions, stating, "We are onboard, this thirteen here, we are here. There is no shift, rift, there is no division." The unions are awaiting the Prime Minister's response to their request for a meeting to discuss the impact of these restrictions on their members and the broader public.

“

If other persons are not here, we can’t wait for them. We have to do what is necessary because our members are hurting, people need their voices to be heard.