THE JAMAICA Employers Federation (JEF) has accused the National Workers Union (NWU) of "employer bashing," in its response to the decision by two private sector companies the Jamaica Flour Mills Limited and United Estates Limited to challenge recent Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) awards.
The JEF was reacting to a quote from NWU island supervisor, Vincent Morrison, in Monday's Gleaner, in which he said that the companies' response was an example of how employers operate, "because they have the financial backing to frustrate the workers by delaying these awards."
The Flour Mills has already obtained a stay of implementation of the IDT's award in favour of three production workers made redundant last year, in order to challenge the rulings in Court. United Estates' attorney Gregory Reid has also indicated he is looking at taking similar action in terms of the IDT's wage award to the workers, as well as the controversial item of the deduction of dues on behalf of the union.
"Mr. Morrison should know that it is statements, like the one he is alleged to have made, which send the wrong message not only to current employers, but to prospective investors who might be looking at our country," the Federation said in a release yesterday.
The JEF said that such utterances were seen as "turning back the clock to the days of antagonism" and could adversely affect the efforts to improve relations between employers and trade unions.
"In the same way that workers have rights, so too do employers and if the management of the JFM Limited and United Estates believe that the awards are flawed, they have the right to challenge them in Court. What good reason therefore should Mr. Morrison have for bashing employers who seek to protect their rights?"
The JEF said "more than ever," co-operation was needed to grow the economy and create employment, "not statements which bash those who invest and frighten potential investors."
The Federation said that it was urging trade unions who "in recent times bash employers" to desist from doing so, because such utterances "are not in the interest of employers, workers and country".
