Tracy on contract impasse: Only permanent nurses get benefits
Health Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine -
THA Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development Tracy Davidson-Celestine has defended the issue of contract nurses being on the job for more than one year without benefits like paid sick, vacation and maternity leave, unlike their permanent counterparts. Initially, these nurses were hired by the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) for a short-term period to serve during the pandemic, as additional staff was needed.
Last Thursday, the issue was raised by electoral representative for Parlatuvier/ L’Anse Fourmi/ Speyside Farley Augustine, who reported to members of the media that the matter was brought to his attention by the nurses. Augustine said, “They were told that they would be hired for a probationary period. They’ll be on probation for about six months and during that six months they weren’t entitled to paid sick leave; they weren’t entitled to the benefits that regular workers would have.”