Discussions with Stevedores Begin Next Week

And while and agreement has been reached on the CBA, there are still two outstanding matters directly affecting stevedores. Perhaps the more important of the two is the matter of a rightful compensation package for loss of sugar earning. With the Labor Commissioner and the Labor Department now on board to take part in these negotiations, those discussions begin on Thursday October fourteenth.

Mose Hyde, President, CWU

“The Labor Department reached out to us, the Labor Commissioner, and has indicated that because the Tribunal has essentially been unplugged, they will not participate in negotiations. So, we are thinking that this is a process that would start early next week that is in speaking with the Labor Commissioner, what she has indicated. That is not confirmed as yet. And, that is a big one. That is a huge process.”

Andrew Lane

Andrew Lane, CEO, PBL

“Just to clarify the Labor Department and the Labor Commissioner, they are not mediating. They are facilitating and assisting the process. And, they play a role of course, because if we start to head in the direction, on an agreement, which they wouldn’t agree to then they can stop us there and we don’t waste any time. It is useful to have the Labor Department involved. It is not imperative in my opinion, but they are more than welcome. We appreciate it.”