Labour minister showers praise on employer-employee partnership at SAJ

Minister of Labour Pearnel Charles, has praised what he says is a strong partnership between the management and workers of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ). He further lauded the association for its "strong demonstration of support for its staff".

This support, the minister said, is one of which the late prime minister and labour union stalwart, Sir Alexander Bustamante, would be proud.

Charles was speaking at the opening of the SAJ's new recruiting centre last Wednesday. According to the labour minister, the newly constructed building is a demonstration of support for staff that must be applauded and replicated in other sectors.

"It is a model strategy employed to provide comfort and a pleasing environment for members of staff to relax and socialise with each other," Charles said.

He pointed out that emplo-yers who manage to provide for the emotional and recreational needs of workers will see a more productive staff, which will lead to improved revenue. "We know that staff development can change the attitudes and motivate even the most unfriendly workers," the labour minister said.

Making reference to the Occupational Safety and Health act that is soon to come on stream, Charles said that while the Act will not speak specifically to the construction of such a state-of-the-art amenities centre, the spirit of the act is in keeping with the gesture.

"I commend the management for its vision and trust that the centre will build relations and strengthen the bond to continue to work together to build the association," Charles said. At the same time, he also encouraged employees to make good use of the facility and, in caring for it, demonstrate that they appreciated the investment that was made on their behalf.