CL Marine’s Caribbean Dockyard and Engineering Services Ltd (Caridoc) is facing a heated situation as the company has recently laid off over 20 long-serving employees and is dealing with the aftermath of a destructive fire at its Chaguaramas compound. The decision to send home employees over the age of 60, some of whom had been with the company for more than four decades, has sparked controversy and concern.
A senior employee revealed that the board enforcement of a policy that mandates retirement at age 60, which had not been consistently enforced in the past. This sudden decision has left many employees without any retirement benefits, causing distress among the workforce.
The National Trade Union Centre (Natuc) has expressed alarm over the situation and questioned the involvement of Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan, as Caridoc falls under his purview. Efforts are being made by the union to address the mass layoffs and seek clarity on the decision-making process behind sending home experienced staff members.
The recent fire at the Caridoc compound added to the company’s woes, resulting in millions of dollars in damages. The fire, which started during an attempt to burn a beehive on the premises, spread quickly and destroyed valuable fibreglass materials used in the oil and gas industry.
Despite attempts to reach out to Caridoc’s officials for clarification, they have declined to comment on both the layoffs and the fire incident. The company’s silence has raised more questions about its operations and the treatment of its employees.
This challenging period for Caridoc highlights the struggles faced by employees and the uncertainties surrounding the company’s future. With key figures remaining elusive and concerns growing within the workforce and the union, the situation remains tense as both employees and stakeholders await further developments.
