OWTU SPEAKS 2003-12-29
NEW APPOINTEE TO THE INDUSTRIAL COURT
I have very often dismissed Mr. Millette with the contempt that he deserves as a little forced ripe fool of a journalist with the piteous affliction of shortmanitis. In his last Sunday paper through, and in the Peace and Happiness of the Christmas celebration, the bold screaming headline – “He was victimized by Errol Mc Leod", was considered to be obnoxious and damaging – perhaps damaging also, to Mr. Rousseau whose elevation to the Industrial Court, the report was apparently promoting . David Millette’s story, in which the new judge has been quoted, will be examined appropriately for any further response by us.
Gregory Rousseau was not victimized by me or any body else in the OWTU. On the contrary, there are many in our Union who will assert that Rousseau lost enthusiasm for the OWTU following the resounding rejection of his mentor at the Union’s Executive Elections in 1993 and again his sponsored candidates in 1996. My objective view is that Gregory Rousseau whom I had personally defended and assisted, as often as was requested, has been a victim of his own over-sized ego and vituperative arrogance. Yet, when I was called some weeks ago and asked whether I would object to Rousseau’s appointment to the court, I refused to make any negative remarks and suggested instead: that mature consideration of the issues before him, balanced judgement and the OWTU training and development with which he was provided should make the candidate an acceptable adjudicator. I refuse to harbour malice and to be in the regular revile and vilification of others. But I must recognize and call on those in positions to properly scrutinize the extent to which the Brandy or is it Bay Rum is being watered down. It must be a hell of a thing – the ludicrous and reckless utterances that a judge designate makes in a newspaper on the eve of his appointment to the Industrial Court’s Bench. Can that judge be trusted to treat fairly with that person or organization against which he complains charges with victimization? Is that judge not disqualifying himself before he sits? Does he sit with a mind preconditioned by deep bias or malice? I should hope not, as my Union and I may one day be required to appear before His Honour Mr. Gregory Rousseau given the growing instances of a deteriorating industrial relations landscape. Neither do I want to appear critical and in judgement of my former colleague and Labour Relations Officer of the OWTU. But I must respond to the very misleading and dishonest report in the Paper. Gregory Rousseau was not suspended nor was he denied leave to engage in National Service related to his appointment as Rugby Coach. The Industrial Court will advise that whoever the employee might be, leave of absence is processed and granted in accordance with particular procedures. In 1994 in the month of October, then OWTU employees, Gregory Rousseau informed me in writing that he was appointed National Coach of the Trinidad and Tobago National Rugby Team and requested Leave of Absence from October 27th to November 13th to tour Guyana and Venezuela with his team. I supported his application and approved Leave with full pay as requested.
In June 1996 Rousseau made similar application to his Head of Department, then acting, and received from me via his Head of Department Leave with full pay to tour the united States playing Rugby from July 1st to 18th.
Of course, his work schedules and the OWTU’s members’ business were adversely affected but we accepted the national profile of the Rugby Coach and the fact that the OWTU is big and recognized for its support of sporting and cultural activities.
But Rousseau became his own boss and absented himself from work 1996 October 25th to November 1st, without applying for and receiving the approval of his Head of Department and leaving very important and critical issues unattended. His Head of Department merely recommended apportionment of that month’s salary and which Rousseau accepted until May 19th, 1997 , a mere three ( 3) days before his resignation from the OWTU and the start of his employment at another Trade Union not known for friendly relations with serious defenders of the workers and peoples’ interest as the Oilfields Workers Trade Union.
Congratulations however and best wishes to Mr. Rousseau and other new appointees to the Industrial Court.
Continued best wishes to Trinidad and Tobago for a brighter future and a productive and peaceful New Year.