By Robert Hart, Staff ReporterAS MANY as 170 tanker drivers who took industrial action yesterday, disrupting the petroleum trade, are set to resume regular duties this morning. Some drivers started working last night.
The work resumption followed the intervention of Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology, Phillip Paulwell. Haulage contractors were reportedly given one week in which to honour a February 2003 agreement, between themselves and the drivers, on retroactive and increased wages.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the petroleum marketing companies, haulage contractors, tanker drivers and the National Workers' Union (NWU). It was conducted by Mr. Paulwell who, according to a Ministry representative, suggested that the 2002 agreement be implemented within
suggested that the 2002 agreement be implemented within seven days. The Minister also gave his assurance that the Government-owned Petrojam refinery would have remained open until 9 p.m. last night, to facilitate some tanker drivers who were set to go back to work late yesterday.
When The Gleaner contacted Jamaica Gasolene Retailers' Association (JGRA) president, Lloyd Brown, he said that most service stations had run out of petrol by midday Monday. He also pointed out that, even though the tanker drivers were expected to be back on the job last night, many service stations would remain without petrol until this morning. "A lot of us will not get supplies tonight. Most retailers will be out for an entire day and it's no fault of the workers," he lamented.
Meanwhile, NWU senior negotiating officer, Granville Valentine, told The Gleaner that he was disappointed in the length of time it took to resolve the dispute. "It is sad that it had to come to this," he said.
Mr. Valentine suggested the NWU had made every attempt to sort the matter out prior to yesterday's administration of what was tantamount to ministerial pressure. Stating that Mr. Paulwell took a decisive stance on the side of the drivers, the NWU negotiator said the relevant minister had never done more than mediate prior to this most recent work stoppage. "It's never gone to this level," he said.
