THE RAMBUNCTIOUS APPROACH to wage talks now taking place at Windalco, and the threat of industrial action issued and withdrawn at Jamalco last week, continue to keep the bauxite sector on edge as we consider the implications for the stability of an industry that is being sorely tested by the posturing and showmanship exhibited during the negotiations.
Since last year we have been unwilling spectators to a series of stop and start exchanges at all four local bauxite/alumina companies that play havoc with the complex technical processes and extended periods required for the shutdown and restart of their operations.
The roller coaster ride now being afforded to the companies in the name of wage negotiations is casting ominous shadows over the path forward for the future management and conduct of good and effective labour relations in the industry.
We find it difficult to understand how, with the precedent set by recent agreements with other companies for settling on a wage formula, the process could be so derailed at Windalco by what appears to be a bullish approach by the union that has swept the real issues off the table.
It is obvious that unless civility can be restored and any form of intimidation by the union be recessed, the meetings called for this week between the parties are likely to flounder, and the bargaining process towards a satisfactory settlement for the workers, further delayed. This must not be allowed to happen. Today's meeting must end with a clear direction on the way forward. This is too important a sector for labour issues to be left lingering.
It appears to us that the National Workers Union (NWU) has missed the quintessence of the naming of the Trade Union Institute in honour of the late Hugh Lawson Shearer. Mr. Shearer's legendary success as a negotiator was attributed to the mutual respect he shared with employers as much as his fearless and bold representation of workers, and the sophistication with which he conducted trade union business.
The shivers now running through the sector at the unnerving prospect of an industry deadlock are being felt not only locally, but also in alumina and investment circles all over the world.
We sincerely hope that the intervention of the Prime Minister-designate will bring reason to the table, and that a refreshing accord, built on mutual respect and one that is soundly aware of the importance and value of this industry to Jamaica, will be reached.
With the reluctance shown so far by the Minister of Labour to take corrective action, Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller will no doubt be moving to centre stage fully cognisant of similar roles played by her Prime Ministerial predecessors with their intimate knowledge of labour relations mores and practices.
The NWU's testy Vice-President Norman DaCosta may want to revisit the Hugh Lawson Trade Union Institute and remind himself of those basic principles.
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