Labour Minister Calls For Reform After ArcelorMittal Documentary Screening
As Trinidad and Tobago faces renewed calls to strengthen labour protections, a new documentary has thrust legislative reform into the national spotlight, using the fallout from ArcelorMittal’s 2016 closure to inform policy and guide interventions aimed at preserving workers’ dignity, livelihoods, and families.
Speaking at the launch of the screening and presentation of the documentary titled ‘Echoes from the Furnace – The Men and Women ArcelorMittal Left Behind’ hosted on Wednesday, Minister of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development, Leroy Baptiste, explained that the documentary opened the opportunity to reflect on broader issues such as workers’ welfare, the protection of their rights, and the responsibility of businesses that profit from their labour.
He pointed out that these concerns highlight a larger issue—the need for legislative reform.
« This documentary stands as a testament to the courage of those who endured displacement, to the continued advocacy of the steelworkers’ union of Trinidad and Tobago, and the importance of preserving narratives so that we can ensure this simply cannot happen again. Job loss, displacement, and uncertainty cannot be treated as inevitable by-products of progress. Instead, they must be addressed through deliberate, compassionate, and forward-thinking policies. »
The film highlighted ArcelorMittal’s retrenchment of 700 workers at its Point Lisas plant in Trinidad and Tobago, driven by severe financial distress.
Minister Baptiste noted that the company’s closure made a significant impact on the nation’s economic performance.
« Between 2010 and 2015, the island steel industry accounted for an average of 84.2% of manufacturing exports and 32.7% of non-energy exports, highlighting its importance to economic diversification efforts. »
The report noted that the plant’s closure caused an average decline of US$259 million in non-energy exports between 2016 and 2018.
To prevent a repeat, the Labour Minister said the government is developing a framework that balances employers’ needs with workers’ rights, ensuring support for all.
« We are actively engaged in reviewing and amending all pieces of labour legislation to ensure that they are modern, relevant and responsive to the realities of today’s workforce. »
Minister Baptiste added that the government of Trinidad and Tobago remains deeply committed to strengthening legislation to protect the rights and welfare of its nationals.
