Headlines:
| Unions say Air J sale should be delayed |
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| Monday, 05 January 2009 | |
 More cold water is being
poured on the Government's plan to privatise the national airline Air Jamaica
this year.One of the unions representing Air Jamaica workers is suggesting that the Government seriously consider delaying the sale of the cash strapped airline. The National Workers Union (NWU) said hope is fading that the March 31 deadline for the divestment will be met. NWU Vice President Granvilel Valentine said the Golding administration should face reality and put the sale on hold until next year. "I think they should cancel, not necessarily cancel but still try to continue the process and not allow a disconnect. They should continue the process but extend the period," "I think next year getting all the stakeholders involved will be a more appropriate and beneficial way of approaching it; in fact it would be the right way," "There is definitely the need for more time and I think all parties should realize that by now that it is not realistic to get it sold by the end of March," said Mr. Valentine. Last week RJR News reported that the deepening global financial crisis could put a damper on efforts by the administration to get the loss-making air carrier off its books by March 31. With three months to go before the deadline expires for Air Jamaica to be divested no clear buyer has emerged despite months of searching for investors. |