Nov. 25, 2002 – The regular meeting of the Virgin Islands Housing Authority Board of Commissioners is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at the central offices of the Authority in Estate Anna's Retreat, St. Thomas.
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HOME DEPOT EXPECTS TO OPEN DOORS IN A YEAR
Nov. 25, 2002 – Look for Home Depot to break ground before the end of the year on St. Thomas and for the store to open late in the fourth quarter of 2003, corporate spokesman Don Harrison said from his Atlanta office on Monday.
He said the store will occupy 95,000 square feet on the inside, with another 10,000 square feet located outside as a garden center.
He said the deal hasn't been signed but is expected to happen shortly. "We're dotting the I's and crossing the T's," he said.
While Harrison wouldn't say where on St. Thomas the store would be located, the company filed for a permit in August to build a store next to the Market Square East shopping center in Estate Donoe. The property, like Market Square East, is owned by Lockhart Companies.
Brent Blyden, director of permits at the Planning and Natural Resources Department, said his staff is giving Home Depot's request for a building permit careful scrutiny because the project proposed is so large. Therefore, he couldn't say when a decision might be made. However, he said that his staff has not found many deficiencies in the permit application.
Blyden said Home Depot already has its Earth Change permit, which gives it approval to break ground.
Harrison said he anticipates that the store will hire about 100 full- and part-time workers. He said the company typically hires about 80 to 85 percent of its work force from people who live in the local area, which in this case would mean on St. Thomas and St. John. "We think it's important that you see your friends and neighbors when you go in the door," he said.
As soon as construction is completed, he said, he expects Home Depot will start hiring so the company can start its team-building process. He said "associates" will be cross trained so that the person who works in the garden department will know where to send you for lumber, for example.
While the square footage is about 10,000 less than Home Depot usually builds nowadays, he said, the store will have an extensive inventory that meets island needs. He said the company held focus groups in San Juan to find out what shoppers there wanted. When it discovered that most homes were made of block, it scaled back its usual lumber stock.
Harrison said that the inventory will be "tweaked" after the store opens and the management gets a better idea of what sells well. He wouldn't comment on how pricing would be determined but said prices are not the same at every store on the U.S. mainland.
Some residents say they are glad that the store will open on St. Thomas, as has long been rumored. "It can't come soon enough," said one St. John resident who didn't want to be named.
However, St. Thomas retailers who sell similar products, albeit on a lesser scale, are not pleased. Enrique Rodriquez, who owns Rodriquez Auto Parts and True Value Hardware in Tutu, predicted the demise of several St. Thomas stores once Home Depot opens.
"They kill people," he said, and there is no strategy that smaller local businesses can employ, other than good customer service, to help the situation.
One longtime St. Thomas building supplier, Island Block, closed its doors at the end of October.
While Rodriquez said that Home Depot would not make donations to local groups and support local media, Harrison said the company traditionally makes grants to local groups and gets involved in community projects.
"We want to have as positive an impact as possible," Harrison said.
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He said the store will occupy 95,000 square feet on the inside, with another 10,000 square feet located outside as a garden center.
He said the deal hasn't been signed but is expected to happen shortly. "We're dotting the I's and crossing the T's," he said.
While Harrison wouldn't say where on St. Thomas the store would be located, the company filed for a permit in August to build a store next to the Market Square East shopping center in Estate Donoe. The property, like Market Square East, is owned by Lockhart Companies.
Brent Blyden, director of permits at the Planning and Natural Resources Department, said his staff is giving Home Depot's request for a building permit careful scrutiny because the project proposed is so large. Therefore, he couldn't say when a decision might be made. However, he said that his staff has not found many deficiencies in the permit application.
Blyden said Home Depot already has its Earth Change permit, which gives it approval to break ground.
Harrison said he anticipates that the store will hire about 100 full- and part-time workers. He said the company typically hires about 80 to 85 percent of its work force from people who live in the local area, which in this case would mean on St. Thomas and St. John. "We think it's important that you see your friends and neighbors when you go in the door," he said.
As soon as construction is completed, he said, he expects Home Depot will start hiring so the company can start its team-building process. He said "associates" will be cross trained so that the person who works in the garden department will know where to send you for lumber, for example.
While the square footage is about 10,000 less than Home Depot usually builds nowadays, he said, the store will have an extensive inventory that meets island needs. He said the company held focus groups in San Juan to find out what shoppers there wanted. When it discovered that most homes were made of block, it scaled back its usual lumber stock.
Harrison said that the inventory will be "tweaked" after the store opens and the management gets a better idea of what sells well. He wouldn't comment on how pricing would be determined but said prices are not the same at every store on the U.S. mainland.
Some residents say they are glad that the store will open on St. Thomas, as has long been rumored. "It can't come soon enough," said one St. John resident who didn't want to be named.
However, St. Thomas retailers who sell similar products, albeit on a lesser scale, are not pleased. Enrique Rodriquez, who owns Rodriquez Auto Parts and True Value Hardware in Tutu, predicted the demise of several St. Thomas stores once Home Depot opens.
"They kill people," he said, and there is no strategy that smaller local businesses can employ, other than good customer service, to help the situation.
One longtime St. Thomas building supplier, Island Block, closed its doors at the end of October.
While Rodriquez said that Home Depot would not make donations to local groups and support local media, Harrison said the company traditionally makes grants to local groups and gets involved in community projects.
"We want to have as positive an impact as possible," Harrison said.
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HOME DEPOT EXPECTS TO OPEN DOORS IN A YEAR
Nov. 25, 2002 – Look for Home Depot to break ground before the end of the year on St. Thomas and for the store to open late in the fourth quarter of 2003, corporate spokesman Don Harrison said from his Atlanta office on Monday.
He said the store will occupy 95,000 square feet on the inside, with another 10,000 square feet located outside as a garden center.
He said the deal hasn't been signed but is expected to happen shortly. "We're dotting the I's and crossing the T's," he said.
While Harrison wouldn't say where on St. Thomas the store would be located, the company filed for a permit in August to build a store next to the Market Square East shopping center in Estate Donoe. The property, like Market Square East, is owned by Lockhart Companies.
Brent Blyden, director of permits at the Planning and Natural Resources Department, said his staff is giving Home Depot's request for a building permit careful scrutiny because the project proposed is so large. Therefore, he couldn't say when a decision might be made. However, he said that his staff has not found many deficiencies in the permit application.
Blyden said Home Depot already has its Earth Change permit, which gives it approval to break ground.
Harrison said he anticipates that the store will hire about 100 full- and part-time workers. He said the company typically hires about 80 to 85 percent of its work force from people who live in the local area, which in this case would mean on St. Thomas and St. John. "We think it's important that you see your friends and neighbors when you go in the door," he said.
As soon as construction is completed, he said, he expects Home Depot will start hiring so the company can start its team-building process. He said "associates" will be cross trained so that the person who works in the garden department will know where to send you for lumber, for example.
While the square footage is about 10,000 less than Home Depot usually builds nowadays, he said, the store will have an extensive inventory that meets island needs. He said the company held focus groups in San Juan to find out what shoppers there wanted. When it discovered that most homes were made of block, it scaled back its usual lumber stock.
Harrison said that the inventory will be "tweaked" after the store opens and the management gets a better idea of what sells well. He wouldn't comment on how pricing would be determined but said prices are not the same at every store on the U.S. mainland.
Some residents say they are glad that the store will open on St. Thomas, as has long been rumored. "It can't come soon enough," said one St. John resident who didn't want to be named.
However, St. Thomas retailers who sell similar products, albeit on a lesser scale, are not pleased. Enrique Rodriquez, who owns Rodriquez Auto Parts and True Value Hardware in Tutu, predicted the demise of several St. Thomas stores once Home Depot opens.
"They kill people," he said, and there is no strategy that smaller local businesses can employ, other than good customer service, to help the situation.
One longtime St. Thomas building supplier, Island Block, closed its doors at the end of October.
While Rodriquez said that Home Depot would not make donations to local groups and support local media, Harrison said the company traditionally makes grants to local groups and gets involved in community projects.
"We want to have as positive an impact as possible," Harrison said.
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He said the store will occupy 95,000 square feet on the inside, with another 10,000 square feet located outside as a garden center.
He said the deal hasn't been signed but is expected to happen shortly. "We're dotting the I's and crossing the T's," he said.
While Harrison wouldn't say where on St. Thomas the store would be located, the company filed for a permit in August to build a store next to the Market Square East shopping center in Estate Donoe. The property, like Market Square East, is owned by Lockhart Companies.
Brent Blyden, director of permits at the Planning and Natural Resources Department, said his staff is giving Home Depot's request for a building permit careful scrutiny because the project proposed is so large. Therefore, he couldn't say when a decision might be made. However, he said that his staff has not found many deficiencies in the permit application.
Blyden said Home Depot already has its Earth Change permit, which gives it approval to break ground.
Harrison said he anticipates that the store will hire about 100 full- and part-time workers. He said the company typically hires about 80 to 85 percent of its work force from people who live in the local area, which in this case would mean on St. Thomas and St. John. "We think it's important that you see your friends and neighbors when you go in the door," he said.
As soon as construction is completed, he said, he expects Home Depot will start hiring so the company can start its team-building process. He said "associates" will be cross trained so that the person who works in the garden department will know where to send you for lumber, for example.
While the square footage is about 10,000 less than Home Depot usually builds nowadays, he said, the store will have an extensive inventory that meets island needs. He said the company held focus groups in San Juan to find out what shoppers there wanted. When it discovered that most homes were made of block, it scaled back its usual lumber stock.
Harrison said that the inventory will be "tweaked" after the store opens and the management gets a better idea of what sells well. He wouldn't comment on how pricing would be determined but said prices are not the same at every store on the U.S. mainland.
Some residents say they are glad that the store will open on St. Thomas, as has long been rumored. "It can't come soon enough," said one St. John resident who didn't want to be named.
However, St. Thomas retailers who sell similar products, albeit on a lesser scale, are not pleased. Enrique Rodriquez, who owns Rodriquez Auto Parts and True Value Hardware in Tutu, predicted the demise of several St. Thomas stores once Home Depot opens.
"They kill people," he said, and there is no strategy that smaller local businesses can employ, other than good customer service, to help the situation.
One longtime St. Thomas building supplier, Island Block, closed its doors at the end of October.
While Rodriquez said that Home Depot would not make donations to local groups and support local media, Harrison said the company traditionally makes grants to local groups and gets involved in community projects.
"We want to have as positive an impact as possible," Harrison said.
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EDICT: PARK PUBLIC VEHICLES AFTER HOURS, OR ELSE…
Nov. 25, 2002 – Gov. Charles W. Turnbull said in a release on Monday that government vehicles have been sighted on the roads after 5 p.m. weekdays and on weekends and holidays.
In one of his first edicts since his recent re-election victory, the governor said this must come to a stop. "As part of the austerity plan to decrease government spending during these critical financial times," he said in a memo directed to heads of departments and agencies, "you are directed to discontinue what appears to be the overly generous use of government vehicles" after hours.
The memo was issued on Thursday, and released to the media on Monday. It continued, "Effective Friday at 5 p.m., all government vehicles will be parked … except for department heads, my senior staff, police, and persons performing emergency duties …"
Those found violating the governor's edict are getting off easy this time. In March 1999, Turnbull issued a similar edict. Back then, again to emphasize his commitment to cost cutting, he directed the Police Department to "stop and hold" any government vehicle being used without authorization. He warned then that he would hold the chiefs of police responsible for enforcing the ban on unauthorized vehicular use and said that anyone found using a vehicle outside of working hours without authorization would face disciplinary action.
This time around, the governor is asking that requests for exemption from his new edict be directed to him by Saturday, after which "a review will be made and you will be advised of the final determination."
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In one of his first edicts since his recent re-election victory, the governor said this must come to a stop. "As part of the austerity plan to decrease government spending during these critical financial times," he said in a memo directed to heads of departments and agencies, "you are directed to discontinue what appears to be the overly generous use of government vehicles" after hours.
The memo was issued on Thursday, and released to the media on Monday. It continued, "Effective Friday at 5 p.m., all government vehicles will be parked … except for department heads, my senior staff, police, and persons performing emergency duties …"
Those found violating the governor's edict are getting off easy this time. In March 1999, Turnbull issued a similar edict. Back then, again to emphasize his commitment to cost cutting, he directed the Police Department to "stop and hold" any government vehicle being used without authorization. He warned then that he would hold the chiefs of police responsible for enforcing the ban on unauthorized vehicular use and said that anyone found using a vehicle outside of working hours without authorization would face disciplinary action.
This time around, the governor is asking that requests for exemption from his new edict be directed to him by Saturday, after which "a review will be made and you will be advised of the final determination."
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
EDICT: PARK PUBLIC VEHICLES AFTER HOURS, OR ELSE…
Nov. 25, 2002 – Gov. Charles W. Turnbull said in a release on Monday that government vehicles have been sighted on the roads after 5 p.m. weekdays and on weekends and holidays.
In one of his first edicts since his recent re-election victory, the governor said this must come to a stop. "As part of the austerity plan to decrease government spending during these critical financial times," he said in a memo directed to heads of departments and agencies, "you are directed to discontinue what appears to be the overly generous use of government vehicles" after hours.
The memo was issued on Thursday, and released to the media on Monday. It continued, "Effective Friday at 5 p.m., all government vehicles will be parked … except for department heads, my senior staff, police, and persons performing emergency duties …"
Those found violating the governor's edict are getting off easy this time. In March 1999, Turnbull issued a similar edict. Back then, again to emphasize his commitment to cost cutting, he directed the Police Department to "stop and hold" any government vehicle being used without authorization. He warned then that he would hold the chiefs of police responsible for enforcing the ban on unauthorized vehicular use and said that anyone found using a vehicle outside of working hours without authorization would face disciplinary action.
This time around, the governor is asking that requests for exemption from his new edict be directed to him by Saturday, after which "a review will be made and you will be advised of the final determination."
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
In one of his first edicts since his recent re-election victory, the governor said this must come to a stop. "As part of the austerity plan to decrease government spending during these critical financial times," he said in a memo directed to heads of departments and agencies, "you are directed to discontinue what appears to be the overly generous use of government vehicles" after hours.
The memo was issued on Thursday, and released to the media on Monday. It continued, "Effective Friday at 5 p.m., all government vehicles will be parked … except for department heads, my senior staff, police, and persons performing emergency duties …"
Those found violating the governor's edict are getting off easy this time. In March 1999, Turnbull issued a similar edict. Back then, again to emphasize his commitment to cost cutting, he directed the Police Department to "stop and hold" any government vehicle being used without authorization. He warned then that he would hold the chiefs of police responsible for enforcing the ban on unauthorized vehicular use and said that anyone found using a vehicle outside of working hours without authorization would face disciplinary action.
This time around, the governor is asking that requests for exemption from his new edict be directed to him by Saturday, after which "a review will be made and you will be advised of the final determination."
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
VIHA SAYS COMPUTER WOES DELAY SECTION 8 CHECKS
Nov. 25, 2002 – If you're a resident or a landlord involved in the Section 8 housing program and are waiting for your December Housing Assistance Payments and Utility Allowance check, it won't arrive on schedule, according to V.I. Housing Authority director Ray Fonseca.
He said in a release issued Monday that the problem stems from technical difficulties with the authority's computer equipment.
Fonseca said Housing Authority personnel are working to get the system back on track and that as soon as the problem was solved, the checks will go out.
Fonseca was off island on Monday, and the person who answered the telephone at his office said no one else could answer questions about the problem.
Section 8 is a federal housing allowance program that provides rent subsidies so low-income households can rent privately owned apartments as an alternative to living in public housing communities.
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He said in a release issued Monday that the problem stems from technical difficulties with the authority's computer equipment.
Fonseca said Housing Authority personnel are working to get the system back on track and that as soon as the problem was solved, the checks will go out.
Fonseca was off island on Monday, and the person who answered the telephone at his office said no one else could answer questions about the problem.
Section 8 is a federal housing allowance program that provides rent subsidies so low-income households can rent privately owned apartments as an alternative to living in public housing communities.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
VIHA SAYS COMPUTER WOES DELAY SECTION 8 CHECKS
Nov. 25, 2002 – If you're a resident or a landlord involved in the Section 8 housing program and are waiting for your December Housing Assistance Payments and Utility Allowance check, it won't arrive on schedule, according to V.I. Housing Authority director Ray Fonseca.
He said in a release issued Monday that the problem stems from technical difficulties with the authority's computer equipment.
Fonseca said Housing Authority personnel are working to get the system back on track and that as soon as the problem was solved, the checks will go out.
Fonseca was off island on Monday, and the person who answered the telephone at his office said no one else could answer questions about the problem.
Section 8 is a federal housing allowance program that provides rent subsidies so low-income households can rent privately owned apartments as an alternative to living in public housing communities.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
He said in a release issued Monday that the problem stems from technical difficulties with the authority's computer equipment.
Fonseca said Housing Authority personnel are working to get the system back on track and that as soon as the problem was solved, the checks will go out.
Fonseca was off island on Monday, and the person who answered the telephone at his office said no one else could answer questions about the problem.
Section 8 is a federal housing allowance program that provides rent subsidies so low-income households can rent privately owned apartments as an alternative to living in public housing communities.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
VIHA SAYS COMPUTER WOES DELAY SECTION 8 CHECKS
Nov. 25, 2002 – If you're a resident or a landlord involved in the Section 8 housing program and are waiting for your December Housing Assistance Payments and Utility Allowance check, it won't arrive on schedule, according to V.I. Housing Authority director Ray Fonseca.
He said in a release issued Monday that the problem stems from technical difficulties with the authority's computer equipment.
Fonseca said Housing Authority personnel are working to get the system back on track and that as soon as the problem was solved, the checks will go out.
Fonseca was off island on Monday, and the person who answered the telephone at his office said no one else could answer questions about the problem.
Section 8 is a federal housing allowance program that provides rent subsidies so low-income households can rent privately owned apartments as an alternative to living in public housing communities.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
He said in a release issued Monday that the problem stems from technical difficulties with the authority's computer equipment.
Fonseca said Housing Authority personnel are working to get the system back on track and that as soon as the problem was solved, the checks will go out.
Fonseca was off island on Monday, and the person who answered the telephone at his office said no one else could answer questions about the problem.
Section 8 is a federal housing allowance program that provides rent subsidies so low-income households can rent privately owned apartments as an alternative to living in public housing communities.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
UNION ACCEPTS INNOVATIVE'S PENSION OFFER
Nov. 25, 2002 – After spending nearly eight weeks on the picket lines, Innovative Telephone and Innovative Cable TV workers will return to work on Tuesday, phone company spokesman Thomas Dunn said on Monday.
However, Fred Joseph, the subdistrict director for the United Steelworkers of America, which represents the striking workers, said there were still issues to be resolved and he wasn't sure when they would go back to work.
He said around 4 p.m. on Monday that he was still waiting for Innovative to send the details of the back-to-work agreement. "They were supposed to send them at one o'clock," he said.
Joseph said that union members voted on Sunday to accept what Innovative officials described as their final offer.
The 315 workers, whose contract expired on Oct. 1, went on strike the next day primarily over pension issues. Under the old contract, Joseph said, Innovative paid $27 a month pension for every year served. The new contract calls for $29 a month for each year for workers who retire in the first year of the three-year contract. This means a person who spent 25 years on the job will get a pension of $725 a month.
Workers who retire in the second year of the contract will get $30.50 a month for each year worked, and those who retire in the third year will receive $31 a month for each year worked. The pensions are retroactive to Oct. 1.
While the pension issue is settled, Joseph said, still on the table is Innovative's refusal to take back 73 people who were replaced during the strike. The union wants those 73 individuals to get their jobs back.
An independent arbitrator will decide the fate of 21 workers who are alleged to have sabotaged phone lines and engaged in other misconduct. Innovative fired four of those people.
Joseph said the strike was worth while so that workers could have a decent retirement package. Dunn said he had no further details on the strike.
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However, Fred Joseph, the subdistrict director for the United Steelworkers of America, which represents the striking workers, said there were still issues to be resolved and he wasn't sure when they would go back to work.
He said around 4 p.m. on Monday that he was still waiting for Innovative to send the details of the back-to-work agreement. "They were supposed to send them at one o'clock," he said.
Joseph said that union members voted on Sunday to accept what Innovative officials described as their final offer.
The 315 workers, whose contract expired on Oct. 1, went on strike the next day primarily over pension issues. Under the old contract, Joseph said, Innovative paid $27 a month pension for every year served. The new contract calls for $29 a month for each year for workers who retire in the first year of the three-year contract. This means a person who spent 25 years on the job will get a pension of $725 a month.
Workers who retire in the second year of the contract will get $30.50 a month for each year worked, and those who retire in the third year will receive $31 a month for each year worked. The pensions are retroactive to Oct. 1.
While the pension issue is settled, Joseph said, still on the table is Innovative's refusal to take back 73 people who were replaced during the strike. The union wants those 73 individuals to get their jobs back.
An independent arbitrator will decide the fate of 21 workers who are alleged to have sabotaged phone lines and engaged in other misconduct. Innovative fired four of those people.
Joseph said the strike was worth while so that workers could have a decent retirement package. Dunn said he had no further details on the strike.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
UNION ACCEPTS INNOVATIVE'S PENSION OFFER
Nov. 25, 2002 – After spending nearly eight weeks on the picket lines, Innovative Telephone and Innovative Cable TV workers will return to work on Tuesday, phone company spokesman Thomas Dunn said on Monday.
However, Fred Joseph, the subdistrict director for the United Steelworkers of America, which represents the striking workers, said there were still issues to be resolved and he wasn't sure when they would go back to work.
He said around 4 p.m. on Monday that he was still waiting for Innovative to send the details of the back-to-work agreement. "They were supposed to send them at one o'clock," he said.
Joseph said that union members voted on Sunday to accept what Innovative officials described as their final offer.
The 315 workers, whose contract expired on Oct. 1, went on strike the next day primarily over pension issues. Under the old contract, Joseph said, Innovative paid $27 a month pension for every year served. The new contract calls for $29 a month for each year for workers who retire in the first year of the three-year contract. This means a person who spent 25 years on the job will get a pension of $725 a month.
Workers who retire in the second year of the contract will get $30.50 a month for each year worked, and those who retire in the third year will receive $31 a month for each year worked. The pensions are retroactive to Oct. 1.
While the pension issue is settled, Joseph said, still on the table is Innovative's refusal to take back 73 people who were replaced during the strike. The union wants those 73 individuals to get their jobs back.
An independent arbitrator will decide the fate of 21 workers who are alleged to have sabotaged phone lines and engaged in other misconduct. Innovative fired four of those people.
Joseph said the strike was worth while so that workers could have a decent retirement package. Dunn said he had no further details on the strike.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
However, Fred Joseph, the subdistrict director for the United Steelworkers of America, which represents the striking workers, said there were still issues to be resolved and he wasn't sure when they would go back to work.
He said around 4 p.m. on Monday that he was still waiting for Innovative to send the details of the back-to-work agreement. "They were supposed to send them at one o'clock," he said.
Joseph said that union members voted on Sunday to accept what Innovative officials described as their final offer.
The 315 workers, whose contract expired on Oct. 1, went on strike the next day primarily over pension issues. Under the old contract, Joseph said, Innovative paid $27 a month pension for every year served. The new contract calls for $29 a month for each year for workers who retire in the first year of the three-year contract. This means a person who spent 25 years on the job will get a pension of $725 a month.
Workers who retire in the second year of the contract will get $30.50 a month for each year worked, and those who retire in the third year will receive $31 a month for each year worked. The pensions are retroactive to Oct. 1.
While the pension issue is settled, Joseph said, still on the table is Innovative's refusal to take back 73 people who were replaced during the strike. The union wants those 73 individuals to get their jobs back.
An independent arbitrator will decide the fate of 21 workers who are alleged to have sabotaged phone lines and engaged in other misconduct. Innovative fired four of those people.
Joseph said the strike was worth while so that workers could have a decent retirement package. Dunn said he had no further details on the strike.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
