High commendations in order

The Shipping Association of Jamaica and the Joint trade Unions should be congratulated, on the signing of this historic four-year wages and fringe benefits agreement. Even more significant is the fact that this agreement was reached by the parties without the intervention of any third-party conciliator. This agreement, in my view, is recognition by both sides that a clear signal should be sent to shipping lines, which use the port, that here is an opportunity to expand their business in Kingston as there is a predictable cost factor for the next four years. The union leadership and their delegates, who were part of the negotiations, must be highly commended for the responsible manner in which they approached these negotiations. This is a very clear demonstration of decisive leadership.

I wish to thank the unions and the members' Shipping Associations' negotiation team led by their astute General Manager, Trevor Riley, for the cooperation given to me as chairman during the 26 meetings that were held.

Condell Stephenson

Chairman

Joint Industrial Council