Opposition calls for gov’t to intervene in employment dispute involving port workers

The Opposition is again calling for the Government to take immediate action to address the precarious situation facing workers of the Ports Management and Security Limited.

Member of Parliament for South Saint Catherine Fitz Jackson said that despite making significant contributions to the nation's security, workers at the agency find their future in limbo after months of seeking a reasonable resolution to their employment concerns.

“Both the port authority and the customs department have yet to provide a clear path forward, leaving these workers facing potential unemployment and uncertainty,” said Jackson in a media release today.

The Opposition spokesperson expressed that although the port authority granted the workers a meeting on May 4 to discuss their concerns, no tangible progress has been made, as, according to Jackson, the intransigence of the customs department, remains a major obstacle.

Noting that the requests of the workers are neither unreasonable nor impractical, considering all factors, Jackson argued that it was inconceivable that the customs department's decisions and actions are reportedly made without the full knowledge of the Ministry of Finance.

With a termination date of June 30 looming, Jackson is charging that the customs department and the Government appear to be deliberately ignoring the frustration and pleas of the workers.

“This approach seems to be a bad-faith tactic to run out the clock and leave these Jamaican workers and their families in an appalling situation,” said Jackson.

He said the Minister of Finance and the Government must recognise that the well-being of these workers and their dependent families is at stake.

“They must decide whether they will let these families perish or demonstrate a spirit of humanity and care.”

The Opposition is once again once again calling upon the Minister of Finance to intervene immediately and resolve this crisis.

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