Damion Mitchell, News Coordinator - Radio
WORKERS AT Alumina Partners of Jamaica (Alpart) yesterday returned to work following a four-day strike but there are reports of further trouble in the bauxite sector.
According to the University and Allied Workers' Union (UAWU), employees at St. Ann Bauxite Company are restive over the non-payment of incentive reimbursement.
Yesterday, Alpart workers resumed work following the signing of a new wage and benefits agreement between the management of the company and the National Workers' Union, which represents more than 1,200 hourly-paid workers.
According to NWU Vice-President, Norman DaCosta, the new agreement amounts to $5.2 billion and includes inflation adjustments due to the workers.
The Alpart workers withdrew their services on Sunday to press their demands for a conclusion of wage negotiations.
WORKERS HAPPY
According to Mr. DaCosta, the workers are happy that the matter has now been resolved.
"It is all over," he said. "This agreement is like no other we've had before and why not? This after all has been a negotiation like no other we've had before."
In a statement yesterday, Alpart management said the agreement, covers a three-year period.
According to General Manager Darrel Harriman, having reached consensus, the company will now continue to focus on meeting its various targets.
Meanwhile, the UAWU has given the management of St. Ann Bauxite Company until February 15 to address concerns regarding incentive payments.
The UAWU is claiming that the company has unjustly withheld more than $48 million of productivity incentive payments due to the workers.
According to UAWU President Lambert Brown, at a meeting yesterday with representatives of St. Ann Bauxite Company and the Jamaica Bauxite Institute, the officials requested time to consult with the Finance Ministry before the payments are made.
But Mr. Brown said the union was not prepared to wait a protracted period for a reply. "On the 15th (of February) if we can't get that indication, then we can't guarantee any normality."
