Prompt Response to Barbuda Staff Gripes

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Friday, 22 February 2013 02:30

By caribarena news

Antigua St. John's - The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has said it is working to resolve a number of grievances tabled earlier this week by Power Station employees in Barbuda.

Caribarena put the employees’ concerns to APUA Marketing and Communications Officer Cathrona Samuel on Tuesday.

These ranged from noise levels within the operation station, to bathroom facilities, drinking water, and supplementary items.

The matters were said to have been tabled with both the acting Electricity Manager, Andre Matthias, and the supervisor in Barbuda.

“The supervisor at the Power Station has also been in dialogue with the staff members as to how these matters are being dealt with,” Samuel said in a response on Wednesday.

Samuel noted that the Barbuda Power Station remains the smallest of APUA’s facilities, and the engines are near the other areas of operation. This accounts for the seemingly intolerable noise levels plaguing some engineers.

Samuel said, “We have asked our Health & Safety officer to look into the matter and make recommendations. Provision has already been made to soundproof the operators’ station, most of the material has been sourced on site, and we are making preparations to procure some items not available in Barbuda.”

Samuel also told Caribarena that there are two bathrooms at the Barbuda facility - one located in the administrative office, where bills are paid, and the other in the power station. The latter is in contention.

“The bathrooms are kept in a sanitary condition and are cleaned daily,” Samuel contended, contrary to the reports from the staff. “There has never been any indication by the staff that the bathroom facilities are insufficient.”

Toilet paper was reportedly issued on an individual basis before, but this practice was curbed due to cash flow challenges, Samuel said. Supplementary items are now being issued for the collective use of staff members, with “a consistent supply” available.

Milk – another issue raised – continues to be issued to individuals, but the supply from Antigua was delayed recently, causing the uproar, according to Samuel. She said efforts are made to obtain milk from a local supermarket in Barbuda whenever the shipment from Antigua is delayed.

“We can assure you that there is no deliberate effort to mistreat the members of the Barbuda staff, and that any known grievances have always been met with prompt action,” Samuel said.

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