Mark Beckford, Staff Reporter

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles has been called on again to quell another labour dispute.

Starting today, Charles is scheduled to hold a series of meetings with representatives of unionised employees at Air Jamaica, located at the island's two international airports. The staff have been protesting a decision by Government - owner of the airline - not to grant them a wage increase at this time.

Onset of dispute

The dispute stemmed from a letter by the minister responsible for Air Jamaica, Don Wehby, sent on Friday to the trade unions representing the workers, informing them that due to the dire financial state of Air Jamaica, the Government could not entertain requests for wage adjustments.

Air Jamaica has been in financial straits in recent years with the entity racking up significant losses, costing the country more than US$100 million ($7 billion) to maintain annually.

Chairman of Air Jamaica Shirley Williams told The Sunday Gleaner yesterday that passengers were experiencing some level of discomfort with some flights being delayed, for which she apologised. At least two flights were cancelled and several delayed by hours as workers at the national carrier effected a go-slow yesterday.

Expecting change

Kavan Gayle, president of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, which represents three bargaining units at the airline, expressed optimism that the Government would change its stance.

"We are hoping that there can be some change of mind in terms of the approach that the Government has taken," he said yesterday.

President of the National Workers' Union, Vincent Morrison said: "We are very disappointed as the cost of living in the past month has increased and the workers of Air Jamaica who have been waiting since 2006, have not had an adjustment to their wages."

mark.beckford@gleanerjm.com