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Protest disrupts flights at Sangster International Airport
Friday, 13 November 2009
Sangster International Airport.Some flights were disrupted coming into and leaving the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay on Friday.
Workers, including critical staff who are fuming over a delay in the implementation of the findings of a job reclassification exercise stepped off the job crippling some of the airport's operations.
The irate workers walked off the job from as early as 6:30 Friday morning and marched around the facility bearing placards.
Employees paced the airport grounds, disrupting traffic flow across the property.
The massive demonstration has forced a halt in some operations at the facility as the administrative, clerical, fire and security employees formed a human blockade at the airport's entrance.
The workers are protesting what they describe as the failure of MBJ Airports Limited, which operates the airport, to carry out a reclassification exercise.
According to UTASP General Secretary St. Patrice Ennis the workers have taken action in the wake of a myriad of problems.
He says this includes disrespect from management.
Meanwhile Acting General Secretary for the Trade Union Congress Barry Dawes says the company has failed its employees.
He says the protest is warranted despite its impact on the International airline hub.
"The fact that industrial action is on today is a clear indication of our incense. The workers are particularly upset about the contemptuous treatment of the management to the human capital and we are much concerned about what is happening and the fact that the company is not dealing seriously with the matter gives great concern, concern that demonstrates itself with protest action," Mr. Dawes said.
They are adamant that they will continue their protest until their issues are addressed.
In the meantime, in downplaying the significance of the worker-protest, MBJ management sent out a release saying the airport is operating as normal.
The release states that the management and some employees who remained on the job have ensured that the airport remains open for all operations.
And the Ministry of Labour has intervened in the dispute.
Pearnel Charles told RJR News Friday afternoon the unions have been summoned to a meeting with the intention of restoring normality to the Airport.
The meeting will be held on Saturday at 11 am.
Friday, 13 November 2009
Sangster International Airport.Some flights were disrupted coming into and leaving the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay on Friday.
Workers, including critical staff who are fuming over a delay in the implementation of the findings of a job reclassification exercise stepped off the job crippling some of the airport's operations.
The irate workers walked off the job from as early as 6:30 Friday morning and marched around the facility bearing placards.
Employees paced the airport grounds, disrupting traffic flow across the property.
The massive demonstration has forced a halt in some operations at the facility as the administrative, clerical, fire and security employees formed a human blockade at the airport's entrance.
The workers are protesting what they describe as the failure of MBJ Airports Limited, which operates the airport, to carry out a reclassification exercise.
According to UTASP General Secretary St. Patrice Ennis the workers have taken action in the wake of a myriad of problems.
He says this includes disrespect from management.
Meanwhile Acting General Secretary for the Trade Union Congress Barry Dawes says the company has failed its employees.
He says the protest is warranted despite its impact on the International airline hub.
"The fact that industrial action is on today is a clear indication of our incense. The workers are particularly upset about the contemptuous treatment of the management to the human capital and we are much concerned about what is happening and the fact that the company is not dealing seriously with the matter gives great concern, concern that demonstrates itself with protest action," Mr. Dawes said.
They are adamant that they will continue their protest until their issues are addressed.
In the meantime, in downplaying the significance of the worker-protest, MBJ management sent out a release saying the airport is operating as normal.
The release states that the management and some employees who remained on the job have ensured that the airport remains open for all operations.
And the Ministry of Labour has intervened in the dispute.
Pearnel Charles told RJR News Friday afternoon the unions have been summoned to a meeting with the intention of restoring normality to the Airport.
The meeting will be held on Saturday at 11 am.
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