THE EDITOR, Sir:
I HAVE just returned from one of my many short vacations in Jamaica. We were one of the unfortunate travellers that were caught up in the strike of the Air Jamaica baggage handlers, which they called 'an industrial dispute' on March 22. They waited until all the bags for the flights were checked in before they walked off, when we were unable to get them returned to us.
There were lots of families with very small children who were at the airport before 1:00 p.m. The passengers were very angry, not with Air Jamaica management, but with the baggage handlers who were sitting on the vehicle and talking to each other. Don't they realise the airline is just getting back on track and regaining the travellers' confidence after many, many months of cancelled, late and bad service?
From my business experience, whenever you lose customers, in most instances they find another product and never return. This may be true now more than ever, with Spirit flying from several cities in the U.S. and offering cheaper air fares.
There is a time for everything and that day and time was not March 22 or anytime. I am sure there must be a better avenue in which to handle this matter. They should also remember the only people they are hurting are the ones that really pay their wages, and they are the passengers that use the services of Air Jamaica. Without us, they would not have a job and nothing to strike over.
I wish them all the luck, but please think before you act.
I am, etc.,
VALERIE BUTLER
valbut2bn@aol.com
Hackensack, New Jersey
Via Go-Jamaica
