KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Transport, Works and Housing, Dr Omar Davies, yesterday warned air traffic controllers that the government will not continue to tolerate abuse of the Essential Services Act, by taking illegal industrial action in furtherance of their demand for improved benefits

“This administration is not going to tolerate the abuse of the Essential Services Act,” Davies said, adding that the government was open to negotiations, but not to blackmail.

He noted that the air traffic controllers have twice breached the provisions of the Act already, in reference to the sick-outs which have occurred as part of their protest demonstration.

But, he was confronted by Opposition MP, Pearnel Charles (North Central Clarendon), who cautioned him against threatening the air traffic controllers.

“Threatening the workers is not the right way to approach the issue. Work with them and make sure they get what is needed to do the job,” Charles said.

“I don’t need a lecture from you,” Dr Davies reacted.

“So, don’t come in here to threaten the workers. Seek their cooperation in resolving the issues,” Charles responded.

Dr Davies said that he had personally checked with the board of directors, and was satisfied with the steps being taken to meet international standards. However, he said that there were many irresponsible statements being made, most of which he chose to ignore.

The minister was piloting a bill through the House of Representatives titled an Act to Amend the Civil Aviation Act, to empower him to appoint not less than six, nor more than eleven, members to the Authority, increasing the full complement of the authority from nine to twelve.

The Bill says this has become necessary, as the Authority has been experiencing a gradual increase in its workload, “due to the demands of the global civil aviation community and the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization”.

Balford Henry