Normality resumes at Kingston Wharves

Normality is to be restored to the Kingston Wharves today following industrial action by workers represented by the National Workers Union (NWU).



Yesterday, scores of unionised workers stayed away from their jobs despite a back to work order by the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT).



The workers claimed the company was in breach of the back to work order when it denied entry to some employees, whose position the company said it was making redundant.



However, the IDT said the union and the workers misinterpreted the conditions of the order.



During an emergency meeting called yesterday afternoon, the IDT told the union that the back to work order did not include the workers whose positions were being made redundant.



Vice president at the NWU, Granville Valentine, said the IDT had not made its position clear when the order was issued on the weekend.



Mr. Valentine said he is expecting that the IDT will begin examining the issues surrounding the controversial redundancies by next week.



He said the union is very concerned that the company failed to remove casual and temporary workers before those in permanent position.