President of SAJ, Harry Maragh (right), makes a presentation to Russell Keith on the occasion of his retirement from the SAJ. - Contributed FORMER INDUSTRIAL Relations (IR) Manager of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), Russell Keith, was recently saluted by his colleagues, business associates, and representatives of the local port community for his sterling service to the shipping industry over the years.
Mr. Keith, who retired after serving the Association and the shipping industry for 16 years, was hailed for his exemplary work in the area of industrial relations in the shipping arena, at a farewell cocktail reception on April 3 at the Shipping Association's Fourth Avenue office complex.
Among those paying tribute were the President of the SAJ, Harry Maragh, Assistant Island Supervisor of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU), Alvin Sinclair, Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee and Vice President of SAJ, Michael Bernard as well as staff of the Association. He was also presented with a gift and citation.
As IR Manager, Mr. Keith served on the Joint Industrial Council for Port Bustamante and was part of the team of management, workers and unions which negotiated and implemented the landmark Labour Agreement of 1998 resulting in the removal of many of the restrictive labour practices on the Port of Kingston. He also served on several sub-committees such as the Disciplinary, Industrial Relations and Safety committees, and was a driving force behind the formation of the Marine and Allied Industries Co-operative Credit Union in 1992.
In his tribute, the SAJ President said Mr. Keith "showed keen interest in maintaining industrial relations harmony on the port and achieving high productivity and performance" from the more than 200 portworkers and administrative staff under his leadership, while ensuring appropriate welfare and benefits for workers.
He described him as "a star negotiator", who discharged his duties with "great diligence, professionalism and fairness". Mr. Maragh lauded Mr. Keith's good rapport with staff and portworkers, SAJ members as well as the SAJ management team, his candour and no-nonsense demeanour, which earned him the respect and admiration of workers and his peers.
"Russell as you embrace another chapter in your life, I want to personally thank you for your contribution to the Association and the shipping industry in general. I want to extend appreciation on behalf of the Managing Committee, and members and staff of the SAJ. We thank you", Mr. Maragh said.
Mr. Sinclair, in his remarks, noted the high opinion that the various trade unions held for Mr. Keith, noting his attributes for being outspoken and fair at the negotiation table. He wished the IR Manager good health and success in his retirement years. Michael Bernard expressed similar sentiments and also wished Mr. Keith all the best in the future.
In his reply, Mr. Keith expressed gratitude and said he could not have achieved any measure of success without the team of workers or the individuals with which he had worked over the years. He said he was also grateful to be part of the positive developments on the Port of Kingston and was able to make a meaningful contribution to the process.
