Trade Unions Proceed With Port-of-Spain March Today; Expect Traffic Delays

UPDATE (6:00 PM): Following’s today’s protest, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar issued a statement in which she said, “The long touted hate protest against the UNC spectacularly failed today,” calling it a “bust.”

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A total of twelve (12) Trade Unions plan to proceed with their demonstration today (Friday 30th October, 2026) despite reportedly rejecting a Police request to postpone it. The march was scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM at Memorial Park, with a rally expected at Woodford Square around 12:00 PM.

Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, has reportedly urged members of the public to avoid the route.

The twelve (12) unions expected to participate in the march today are as follows:

1. Communication Workers’ Union (CWU);
2. Steel Workers’ Union of Trinidad and Tobago;
3. Aviation, Communication and Allied Workers’ Union;
4. Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU);
5. Estate Police Association;
6. Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA);
7. Banking, Insurance and General Workers’ Union;
8. Amalgamated Workers Union;
9. Prison Officers’ Association;
10. Trinidad and Tobago Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA);
11. Maxi Taxi Association; and
12. Contractors and General Workers’ Trade Union.

In addition to the respective leaders of the above unions, among those present were Port-of-Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, Opposition MP Stuart Young, Patriotic Front political leader Mickela Panday and other members of the Opposition PNM.

(Click/Tap Image To Enlarge)

The unions’ grievances include outstanding salary arrears, unresolved collective bargaining agreements, displaced workers, job security and the cost of living. The Public Services Association (PSA) has also rejected the Government’s proposed combination of cash and non-cash payments for certain arrears.

Our cameras captured several political and union leaders at today’s march, including the CWU’s Joanne Ogeer, Patriotic Front leader Mickela Panday, MSJ leader David Abdulah and Port of Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne. Video: Ricardo St Bernard https://t.co/GRlDwQ5ooQ

— CNC3TV (@CNC3TV) October 30, 2026

Minister Young said he had joined the march as a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, describing it as “a worthy march”. He said the Prime Minister would do well to remember that it was her Government that first used Trade Unions on the campaign trail.

Beckles also dismissed suggestions that the protest was driven by racial tensions or violent intentions, saying people were beginning to stand up for their rights. She called on Persad-Bissessar to stop using what she described as divisive language to attack people who disagreed with her.

The demonstration will no doubt test relations between organized labour and the Government, with implications for public-sector negotiations, industrial relations and confidence among workers. 

Expect possible traffic disruption in Port-of-Spain during the march.

More on this as it becomes available. 

[Source: CNC3]

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