Management says it’s doing its best…
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – EMPLOYEES of the manufacturing company, Electrofab, have complained of what has been described as “sweat shop” working conditions, and while management has not refuted the allegations, it has indicated that it is doing all in its power to rectify them.
The Employees’ Side
According to information reaching SKNVibes, workers at the C.A. Paul Industrial Site company are of the view that management of Electrofab “has deliberately and neglectfully compelled employees to work in conditions that are not only illegal, but are serious health risks. Ninety-five degree heat, poor ventilation and exposure to hazardous fumes without regard…”
Correspondence which this publication was sent alleges that Manager Garry Mallalieu made a “radical and thoughtless” decision three months ago to discontinue the use of the building’s air conditioner.
It noted that his explanation for that decision was “the air condition is only for when the people for the work come from overseas…don’t feel anyway, it is not a white man thing, it is a business thing”.
The matter seems to have been taken into the hands of the employees who reportedly invested in standing fans which they use in an attempt to combat the sweltering heat.
Much success has not been achieved in this regard; however, as “heat emitted by equipment in the building such as solder pots and filament lamps used in the operations” is still posing serious challenges.
“The heat has taken a toll on their bodies; it causes drowsiness, fatigue, and constant tiredness. The effects has gotten worse, as constant headaches has become a norm to the employees, dehydration and asthmatic attacks have caused persons to be rushed to the hospital as a result of the cruel conditions which they are forced to work in.
“In a slovenly, carless effort to assist, windows were placed on the east side of the building in the wind direction of a neighboring garage. The windows have exposed employees even more to the summer heat and hazardous fumes from the garage next door. Workers are forced to endure gas fumes and car spray constantly from the body shop. This results in upset stomach and burning of the throat. These conditions are also suffered by pregnant women employed at Electrofab. God forbid that someone should become chronically sick and suffer as a result of working in such inhumane conditions, who should be held responsible? What must happen before these circumstances are to change, must an individual die first?”
Management’s Side
SKNVibes contacted Mallalieu and explained his employee’s complaints to him.
He noted that for the most part “they are absolutely true”.
Addressing the discontinuation of use of the air conditioning unit, Mallalieu explained that approximately 20 months ago, the company’s revenue was cut to less than half which posed some financial challenges.
He stated that partial use of the air conditioner is one of the measures used to negate the effects of the significantly reduced revenue. He however noted that it was around that time the compressors of the machinery failed.
“Our air conditioner actually broke down and the place is very, very hot. The company is going through some very, very hard times right now. Our revenue is less than half of what it was 20 months ago, so we actually took a decision that we would have to try to cool the building without air conditioning, because our electricity bill was nearly $30 000 on average (per month) before the electricity increased.
“So we are trying desperately to replace that revenue. But in the meantime…we had to take decisions about reducing costs. At the same time that we decided to take off the air conditioner for part of the day, the air conditioner broke down and at this point in time we have been unable to find the money to replace the compressors of the air conditioner. So the people who are complaining to you about the heat are absolutely correct to do so, because it is very hot in there. But at this point in time we are trying to find the remedy; we are trying to raise the funds to fix the air conditioner. It is absolutely true that the place is very hot but it is also true that the company is searching for a remedy right now…”
The Electrofab workers further indicated that they had approached Mallalieu to ask for an afternoon break during which they would journey to the outside of the building and catch a breath of fresh air while recovering from the scorching heat.
They alleged that Mallalieu’s response was, “No, no, no, when the company catches itself in the next two years, I could think about an afternoon break.”
While Mallalieu admits he was approached about granting an afternoon break, he said his alleged response is a “stretch of the truth”.
He explained that his response was that that could be done.
He however further explained that although that particular measure was not implemented, the workers are being allowed to leave their work stations intermittently, rather than having all workers break from work at the same time.
Mallalieu also refuted the “it’s not a white man thing” comment, noting that his explanation – to which most of the employees agreed – was that the air conditioner would be turned on when visits from customers were expected.
This, he said, is because if customers believe that the financial situation of the company is so dire, they might take their business elsewhere. So in an attempt to prevent that from taking place, the air conditioner would only be switched on when guests were expected.
Employees at Heart of company
The manager said his employees are at the heart of the company and without them it would not exist. He also expressed that management would never intentionally and willfully jeopardize the health of his staff.
Regarding the company’s revenue challenges, Mallalieu said he is of the firm conviction that it would increase.
He entreated his employees to “bear with us” until such time.
