Headlines:
| Emergency Air J meeting |
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| Monday, 12 May 2008 | |
An emergency meeting has been called for Monday to try to
put an end to industrial action by ground staff at Air Jamaica.It will involve Air Jamaica's Board, senior management officials and trade union representatives. There were reports Sunday of flight delays at the Norman Manley International Airport due to the action of the ground staff. Vice President of the National Workers Union (NWU) Granville Valentine told RJR News that he is hoping that Monday's meeting will bring about a resolution to the dispute but he warns that the protest could spread if the meeting fails to achieve any meaningful results. "The workers are still on go slow but it has tapered down tremendously to assist the discussions to be held ... we are optimistic that some fruit will come from this meeting, as I believe that the management clearly realize(s) the mood of the workers." He said the workers are still militant over what was said by Don Wheby, Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance, and are ready to take any necessary stand to correct that situation. The workers' protest was reportedly triggered by a letter sent by Senator Wehby to trade unions on Friday. According to Mr. Valentine, Senator Wehby indicated that due to Air Jamaica's financial problems it could not enter into a new wage contract at this time. It is reported that Senator Wehby informed the unions that the existing wage contract will remain in effect until the airline is sold next year. The NWU claims the workers are extremely upset as they have not been given a salary increase in nearly two years. |