Stevedores Strike
By Donella K. Dias
SKNVibes.com
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| Mr. Donald Kelsick, President Shipping Association of St. Kitts |
Basseterre; St. Kitts: The recent strike of the Stevedores in St. Kitts could pose a serious impact on the trade within the country, according to officials of the St. Kitts Shipping Association.
A meeting was held on Friday, November 2nd at the Ocean Terrace Inn. Members of the Shipping Association of St. Kitts led by, Mr. Donald Kelsick, President, also included on panel were Mr. Bernie Greaux, Vice President, Mr. Earl Kelly and Mr. Winston Hendrickson both of TDC who was also on the negotiating team to clarify the agreement made between the Shipping Association and the Stevedore Association of St. Kitts.
The members of the Stevedoring Association of St. Kitts (SAS) headed by Mr. Ian “Patches” Liburd staged two strikes over the past couple of days after what was said to be a “breakdown in communication” when the issue of rate pay was cited.
The Shipping Association took objection to the method of determining the rate pay set out in the Union’s proposal document and made a counter offer of a pay increase to the stevedores, based on the existing system of work. This proposal included a 30% over 3 years - 20% in the first year and 5% in each of the 2 years following, which was to be paid directly to the stevedores by each agent engaging in the their services.
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(L-R) Vice President Shipping Association of St. Kitts, Mr. Bernie Greaux, Mr. Earl Kelly of TDC, Mr. Donald Kelsick, President and Mr. Winston Hendrickson also of TDC.
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The shipping Association confirmed in a mutual agreement that the following was offered to the Stevedores Association:
1. Graveyard shift-double time will be paid to stevedores for the night shifts commencing between 2200 hours and 0600 hours.
2. Waiting Time-four (4) hours waiting time will be paid to stevedores in the event that the vessel has been delayed.
3. Risk pay will increase from EC$1.20 per hour, per man to EC$2.50 per hour, per man.
4. Meal allowance has been increased from EC$14.78 to EC$20.00 per man
5. Gang size on RO-RO vessels has been increased from four (4) men to six (6) men
6. A gang size LO-LO vessel has been increased from six (6) men to eight (8) men.
7. The Shipping Association has agreed to purchase the required protective gear for each worker.
~~Adz:Left~~8. The Shipping Association has agreed to the establishment of a Registration Committee to oversee the recruitment process, as well as handle disciplinary issues. The Registration Committee will consist of two (2) members of the Shipping Association and two (2) members of the Stevedoring Association of St. Kitts.
9. The Shipping Association will continue to provide the Stevedores with cold water and cups during any vessel operation.
10. The Association has agreed to provide transportation for the Stevedore workers to and from the port.
Mr. Kelsick, the association’s president noted that the above mentioned agreement has in fact been implemented, but the stevedores however are now demanding a wage-scheme to be paid for each container rather than by the hour.
President Kelsick along with the other Shipping Association members dismissed any rumors that the Ship’s Agents were being paid by tonnage for moving cargo from any vessel.
Mr. Hendrickson stated that other than a few chartered ships, the lines where all now paying by the hour for that service.
The officials also explained that though some, if not most shipping companies did register a tonnage rate, none were actually billing by that method.
The officials also mentioned that over some three or four past years, longshoremen who had customarily been paid by tonnage are now also being paid by the hour.
The Shipping Association members in a statement issued, wishes to assure the general public that it will continue to act in good faith in an effort to reach a speedy conclusion to this matter.
It also wishes to advise the general public on the effect the failure of resolution of the situation could have on the cost of living and on the economy in general.
