Grantley Stephenson, President of the Shipping Association of Jamaica. - Contributed THE BIRTH of the Joint Industrial Council (JIC) for Port Bustamante on August 26, 1952, emerged out of an era of great industrial unrest and turbulence in the shipping industry.
With representation from the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU), the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the United Portworkers Union Congress and the Shipping Association of Jamaica, the Council was given the mandate to maintain industrial harmony in a way that was conducive to the progress and development of the industry.
Now, 50 years after accepting this mandate, the Council can proudly take credit for the significant work it has done in accomplishing this great feat. The Council's negotiations have translated into better working conditions, improved benefits for workers and more flexible working arrangements on the Port of Kingston, which itself has seen significant growth and development over the years.
The first major inputs of the JIC materialised in 1966, when following a lengthy period of industrial unrest on the Kingston waterfront, a landmark decision was taken to modernise the Port, thereby improving the social benefits for workers and introduce technology to bring the port into the modern era of containerisation. Indeed, the contribution of stalwart trade unionists, such as Michael Manley, Hugh Shearer and Hopeton Caven on this occasion must be recognised.
The calibre of the JIC was again proven in 1998 with the landmark agreement, which placed the Port further on the road towards competitiveness, by dramatically reducing many of the restrictive labour practices, which existed. The advent of globalisation and technological revolutions which have led to a significant reduction in the number of workers over the years, has not, in any way, diminished the relevance or functions of the Council, and our deliberations constantly take into account the issues and challenges that currently face us as an industry and as a country.
The Port of Kingston, which is now ranked 67th in the top 100 ports of the world, is essential to Jamaica's economy and international trade, and therefore maintaining industrial harmony is a must. As the Council celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Shipping Association of Jamaica, pledges its continued support as an active participant.
As the Shipping Association salutes the JIC, I pay tribute to the individuals who have served and who continue to serve on this important body.
Grantley Stephenson
President of the SAJ
