HIS WORLD of work involves the clinking and clanking of metals, huge container ships stacked with 20 and 40 foot containers, siren-blaring gantry cranes towering nearly 100 feet to off-load containers from ships and the systematic movement of 50-feet straddle carriers transporting containers.
Just one error and any of these factors could cause injury, death or a disruption in the productive process, a risk that the shipping business cannot afford. In short, this is dangerous ground, but for the stevedore (a port worker who loads and unloads cargo from ships), this is the reality on the Port of Kingston where the wheels of productivity must keep turning.
CHALLENGING JOB
It is an exciting and challenging job to any person, but to stevedores, it is also a job, which comes with serious responsibility. Timing and safety are key in their work involving the discharge and loading of cargo aboard ships; storage and delivery of cargo in warehouses as well as stripping and stuffing of containers.
At the port like all other world-class facilities, a 24-hour operation is guaranteed for ships that bring cargo for domestic consumption or transhipment to other ports, and therefore, the role of the stevedore is crucial in ensuring that the turn-around time for ships is kept at a minimum. Stevedores enjoy flexible work hours and are required to work 7:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m..
This is the typical life for Harold Walker, 53, one of the longest-serving stevedores, who has been a registered portworker since 1966. It is the only job he has had, and despite the risks involved he loves and enjoys his work immensely.
Harold is one of over 200 workers employed to the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) and a part of the complement of hundreds of workers employed to work on the Port of Kingston, which comprises the Kingston Container Terminal and Kingston Wharves the mixed cargo facility.
"I love my job very much- even though it is challenging. My father was a port worker and when I was a little boy, I used to take lunch for him- It was from that time that I have loved the port. I followed in my father's footstep and signed up when SAJ was recruiting workers," explains Harold.
He recalls the early days when the concept of containerisation was non-existent and the power of the muscle was required to pack breakbulk cargo on pallets, which would be lifted aboard containerships in slings.
MORE FAST-PACED
Now, things are more fast-paced, modern technology and machinery have improved the work, but the risks are greater and the job requires more precision and alertness. Currently, Harold's specific role is to lash and unlash containers to secure them in place aboard the vessel.
"The job is very risky. You have to be self-disciplined when you are on the crane or on the ship. If you are not careful, it could cause loss of life or injury to your self or others. As a port-worker, you have to understand, believe in and love what you are doing," the veteran portworker explains.
"Safety plays a major role. When you are working on the port safety goes a long way. You have to concentrate and be alert and focus on what you are doing", he adds.
REGISTERED PORTWORKER
Mr. Walker practically grew up on the port and he has witnessed many historical developments including the mechanisation of the port, but the occasion, which stands out most in his mind was the day he got his confirmation as a registered port worker through the Ministry of Labour.
"I was a casual worker and in those days, casuals would work for two days or so. However, when you are a registered portworker you get guaranteed pay every week," he explains adding that the acquisition of his house through an SAJ programme was another significant occasion for him. "I would not have got that benefit if I wasn't a registered portworker," he adds.Harold sees himself as a stevedore for many years to come - 12 in fact, but he cautions young men who would aspire to become a port worker, advising that things are changing rapidly and the new breed of stevedores are required to keep abreast of these developments and must have the appropriate training. He referred to the Caribbean Maritime Institute as a good place to start. In general, he says there must be a genuine love for the work in order to enjoy it.
Commenting on the role of the stevedore, Alvin Sinclair, the Assistant Island Supervisor for the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU), says the role of the stevedore has not been recognised as it should, but over the last 20 years their worth has been pushed to the fore, especially with the mechanisation on the port and the training conducted by the SAJ. This has brought about increased levels of productivity in keeping with the New International Order, he notes.
Lauding the performance of 26 box moves per hour, at the container ter minal Mr. Sinclair observes "we now need to move to the next levels doing 35 - 38 box moves which are being achieved in Singapore and Hong Kong. We still have a far way to go...", he observes.
"The profile of the stevedore has definitely changed over the years, 15 years ago the average age of the Port worker was 55 years and now the average age is 28-30 and now they are better educated- The wok of the stevedore is exciting and a dangerous job," Mr. Sinclair adds.
ON STRIKES
Referring to the absence of major strikes, the BITU officer, explains labour relations on the port have been good.
"There have been no major strikes or industrial actions in the last 15 years. We have been able to sit and work out our differences. The Role of the Joint Industrial Council for Port Bustamante has played a major role in all of this," says Mr Sinclair. Harold believes that while industrial unrest has a place in the negotiation process for stevedores, it should always be the very last resort, adding that all bargaining matters should be settled at the negotiation table.
