DRIVING A Straddler Carrier, which is heavy-duty equipment used to move containers on a port, is risky business. Not the kind of affair for the faint-hearted, but for the brave and daring - usually men.
Traditionally, only men would be found in these 'high seats' on the port. But, today, on the port of Kingston, there are three women matching skills and knowledge with the men, driving straddle carriers and moving containers from shipsides to storage areas.
These brave women, wearing the title straddle carrier operator, are Authurine Murray, Ann Marie Christie and Marie Beckett, who are employed by Kingston Terminal Operators, the company that manages the container terminal.
"Being a woman and driving one of these machines will seem awesome to some persons, but to me, it is exciting and above all, it is something I love and enjoy doing", said Ms. Murray, the longest-serving female operator.
Ms. Murray, who has had some five years experience driving a straddle carrier, said she was cut out for the job especially since she was mechanically inclined from an early age. Even with the occasional low moments, Ms. Murray said she would not trade her profession with any other in the world. However, she is aspiring to drive even larger equipment such as cranes on the port.
"I had initially given myself five years to work in this area, but now I enjoy my work very much and wouldn't think of leaving. I don't think it is hard. I am getting to love it more every day," she said.
"I have always been exposed to mechanics and I was accustomed to driving heavy industrial equipment...A requirement to do this job is that you must have knowledge in mechanics. I applied for the position and I got it," said the 30 year-old graduate of the Jamaica German Automotive School (JAGAS).
Commenting on the working relations with her mostly male co-workers, she said the relationship was good as they accepted their female colleagues and treated her with respect and accepted her as an equal.
"I get no resistance from the men I work with. I have always had a good relationship with my colleagues...My supervisors do not treat me differently. I am treated as an equal to the men and I would not expect any special treatment," she observed.
Human resource development manager at KTO, Claudette Gordon- McFarlane, said the company was pleased with the quality of work being done by the women on the port, which was equal to the male workers.
"Sex is not a factor when we recruit workers. We look for skills, knowledge and ability," stressed Mrs. Gordon-McFarlane. "The female operators have worked extremely well, so much so that we are looking forward to having more women workers," she said, adding that "we do not go out there looking for males, we want people with the necessary skills."
