Headlines:
| Air J workers on go slow |
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| Saturday, 10 May 2008 | |
Uncertainty surrounds operations of the national carrier,
Air Jamaica,
as ground personnel continue their go-slow.More than 2,000 employees are said to be involved in the protest which began Friday evening. The workers were reportedly told by their trade unions that the Government would not entertain their request for a salary increase. It is reported that Minister Without Portfolio in the Finance Ministry Don Wehby wrote to the unions informing them that due to the airline's worsening financial problems it could not enter into a new wage contract. Vice-President of the National Workers Union (NWU) Granville Valentine said the NWU is backing the workers protest. "It's unfortunate that we have reached here, but I believe that the blame must be laid squarely at the feet of the Minister with the portfolio." He argued that Air Jamaica should at least top up salaries in light of the sharp rise in the cost of living since it cannot provide full salary increases. The airline could also be facing more trouble next week.  Flight attendants
restive The Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) which represents the airline's more than 300 flight attendants is planning to call a workers meeting next week. BITU President General Kavon Gayle said the meeting is to discuss the implications of Mr. Wehby's statement. He pointed out that the attendants are also extremely restive. |