A precursor to peace and industrial stability

It is with a special sense of appreciation that I hail this historic four-year wage agreement between the Shipping Association of Jamaica and the unions representing the employees of the Port of Kingston.

This new agreement is of significance for several reasons. The first is that its duration will provide the Port of Kingston with the requisite industrial peace and stability to plan for growth and expansion over the medium term. At the same time, it demonstrates that the workers and their union representatives have fully grasped the challenges which face not only the shipping industry, but more so, the country.

The Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing commends all parties to this historic four-year wage agreement and congratulates them for being able to achieve this arrangement, particularly at this time.

As one of the critical stakeholders in the shipping arena, we are working assiduously to modernise and expand the Port of Kingston over the medium term, and pledge our support to any initiative which is designed to promote industrial peace and harmony.

This agreement will serve to enhance the attractiveness of the Port of Kingston as the preferred location for international shipping lines.

Omar Davies, MP

Minister of Transport,

Works and Housing