We appreciate the contribution of our port workers during this period of COVID. However, Port Revenues are down almost 40 percent and the Port cannot pay a bonus this year.
Instead of showing gratitude for the fact that their members continue to enjoy good paying jobs during this period of COVID, when thousands are unemployed as result of COVID; the AWU is threatening industrial action.
In the circumstances, the government will be forced to take defensive actions, to prevent any disruption in port services during this busy period.
Accordingly, we have placed the ABDB on standby to assist with manpower and the AG will be issuing an order under Section 4 (2) of the Essential Services Act, to prevent any service disruption.
We wish to remind these employees that they are essential workers and caution them against violation of the provisions of the Essential Services Act.
Also, we call upon employees not to follow the unreasonable demands of the AWU, and more so, not to prejudice their employment, especially at this time of high unemployment.
The Port can’t pay bonus on profits it did not make. Locking down the Port as threatened will serve no useful purpose, but to delay or jeopardize the Ports ability to meet its obligations including, December’s salaries and wages.
If Port Workers disrupt the Port operations causing it to lose more money during this crisis, we may be forced to furlough a number of them so that the Port could meet its financial obligations.
Kindly note, that lots of young people are seeking employment at the Port.
A word to the wise is sufficient.
