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Restructuring to commence as over 60 workers at TADCO in Trinidad and Tobago lose jobs - Sep 21, 2023

In recent news, over 60 employees at the Tobago Agribusiness Development Company (TADCO) in Trinidad have faced uncertainty as their contracts come to an end. This development has sparked discussions about hiring practices, transparency, and the company's future. In this article, we delve into the details of the situation, shedding light on the challenges faced by these workers and the efforts to reform TADCO.

Contracts Ending on September 30, 2023:

The workers at TADCO were initially hired on three-year contracts, which began in October 2020. However, they recently received letters from the company's management, stating that their contracts would not be automatically renewed and would end on September 30, 2023. This news has understandably caused concern among the affected employees, who now face the prospect of reapplying for positions within the company.

Calls for Transparency and Accountability:

The decision not to automatically renew the contracts has raised questions about TADCO's hiring practices and the need for transparency in its operations. Members of the Fraud Squad and White-Collar Crime Unit visited TADCO's offices to investigate hiring practices, the interviewing process, and general human resource practices. The chairman of TADCO's board, Ricardo Alfred, confirmed that there were "no clear guidelines" for hiring workers under the former administration. This lack of clarity contributed to questions about fairness and equal compensation for employees in similar roles.

Restructuring for Transparency and Efficiency:

Chairman Ricardo Alfred emphasized the need for restructuring within TADCO to ensure greater efficiency and transparency. He acknowledged disparities in salaries among employees in similar positions and highlighted the importance of a fair and transparent hiring process. Going forward, all positions within the company will be open for application, and applicants will need to provide their qualifications for proper assessment. Alfred stressed the importance of transparency, stating that nepotism should not play a role in hiring decisions.

Former Chief Secretary's Critique:

Ancil Dennis, the former Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), criticized the handling of TADCO's restructuring. He called for the resignation of TADCO's line secretary and the entire board, citing the restructuring as "callous" and claiming that it bypassed Tobago farmers. Dennis expressed concern that the restructuring might result in fewer job opportunities for the affected workers.

Conclusion:

The situation at TADCO serves as a reminder of the challenges faced when merging multiple entities into a single organization and the importance of clear guidelines for hiring and compensation. The restructuring aims to bring transparency and fairness to TADCO's operations, but it has generated uncertainty for many employees. As the company moves forward with its reforms, the hope is that it will create a more equitable and efficient work environment while addressing the concerns of its workforce.


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