Shipping Association of Jamaica signs historic wage agreement

The Shipping Association of Jamaica and Unions representing stevedores have signed a historic four-year wage agreement.



The agreement was negotiated between the Joint Industrial Council and the Port of Kingston.



The employees were represented by the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union and the United Portworkers and Seamen Union.



The Shipping Association represented employers in the shipping industry.



The new heads of agreement covers the period November 2012 to October 2016.



A statement from the Shipping Association said this is the first time a wage agreement lasting four years has been signed by the Port of Kingston.



Transport Minister, Dr Omar Davies says the agreement will provide the port with the the requisite industrial stability for growth and expansion over the medium term.



Alvin Sinclair, BITU vice-president, says the agreement is the right way to go, as it will position Jamaica to take advantage of the benefits likely to flow from the expansion of the Panama Canal in 2015.



The expansion of the Port of Kingston is part of the Government's plan for the development of a global logistics hub.



FOR MORE STORIES WATCH:

Like our new Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/gleanerjamaica



Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/JamaicaGleaner



onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com