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This was confirmed by Transport Minister, Devant Maharaj. A statement from the office of Senator Maharaj says he has held discussions with port chairman, Joseph Toney to review the collective bargaining agreement and reopen dialogue with the representing Estate Police Association. The association has admitted to telling its officers to stay at home to show their dissatisfaction with stalled salary negotiations and outstanding health and safety issues. The union accuses the Port Authority and by extension the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO), of stalling the negotiations for years. First vice president, Curtis Robinson says the Tobago ferry sailed without security officers this morning and that customers can expect long delays at the port today. Mr. Robinson says it has been four years since salary negotiations have been taking place and this cannot be accepted. In his statement, Minister Maharaj says management at the port have been given instructions and are awaiting further guidelines from the CPO. He says chairman Toney is hopeful the response from the CPO will be equally swift and the matter can be settled without delay, given the critical role the port of Port of Spain plays with the nation’s economy. Minister Maharaj says he will continue to monitor the progress of the negotiations to ensure the business community and other stakeholders of the port do not suffer as a result of any unwarranted action at the port.