THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM very disappointed that the Trade Unions through its umbrella organisation, the Jamaica Confederation of Trades Unions (JCTU) have decided to boycott the Ministry of Labour (a social partner) an institution established to promote industrial peace.
According to the JCTU, the Ministry of Labour and its "functionaries" in recent times, among other things, "continue to fail to provide any semblance of guidance to both employers and employees."
In my opinion the boycott is unnecessary, disrespectful and reflects poorly on the leadership of the JCTU. The JCTU is being led by respected and recognised Trade Unionists, some of whom appear to have political aspirations. They should have "requested a meeting to try and resolve" their dispute as is their favourite tag line. They must demonstrate good leadership skills as they have done in settling various industrial disputes.
The very nature of Trade Union activities requires the services of the Ministry of Labour or the Industrial Dispute Tribunal at the some time or another.
Mr. Editor we must protect our institutions otherwise, there will be anarchy and social degradation. The Ministry of Labour (Conciliation Dept.) has done a fantastic job over the years, especially in the 70s & 80s when the country was plagued with industrial unrest.
If there needs to be improvement in the level of service being offered then the improvement must be implemented immediately as times have changed. The Trade Unions must remember that the Conciliators' only power is that of persuasion and if disputing parties are not willing to settle disputes their only recourse is to "refer
the matter to the I.D.T." for determination and settlement.
The Jamaica Employer's Federation (J.E.F.) no doubt has seen the inherent danger in the boycott and has offered to broker a settlement of the matter.
I do hope that good sense will prevail as no matter the outcome the Trade Unions will continue to need the support and services of the Conciliation Department.
The Ministry of Labour will have to carefully and quickly evaluate the unions' concerns and take the necessary corrective actions. The Unions will have to display good sense in this issue otherwise they may have a difficulty convincing their membership to have confidence and trust in the Ministry of Labour in the future.
They must bear in mind that as has been said by a prominent Trade Unionist "the same knife that stick sheep may stick goat."
I am, etc.,
L. ANTHONY O'GILVIE
Kingston
