PNP renews call for Gov’t to resolve staff changes crisis at PMSL
KINGSTON, Jamaica— The People’s National Party (PNP) is raising its concerns once again over the uncertainty being faced by workers of the Ports Management and Security Limited (PMSL).
The Opposition, earlier this year, had expressed its concerns over the government’s plans to subsume the agency under the Customs Department. The Party said in the release then that it had been alerted to actions indicating the termination of services of PMSL.
READ: PNP urges gov’t to safeguard employees amid Port Management Security Ltd changes
In an updated news release on Tuesday, Member of Parliament (MP) for South St Catherine Fitz Jackson said that PMSL workers find their future in limbo after months of seeking a reasonable resolution to their employment concerns.
“Both the Port Authority and the Customs Department have yet to provide a clear path forward, leaving these workers facing potential unemployment and uncertainty,” said Jackson.
He added that while the Port Authority granted the workers a meeting on May 4, 2024, to discuss their concerns, no tangible progress has been made, as the intransigence of the Customs Department remains a major obstacle.
Jackson further stated that the requests of the workers are neither unreasonable nor impractical, and considering all factors, it was inconceivable that the Customs Department’s decisions and actions are made without the full knowledge of the Ministry of Finance.
“With a termination date of June 30, looming, the Customs Department and the Government appear to be deliberately ignoring the frustration and pleas of the PMSL workers,” The PNP said.
“This approach seems to be a bad-faith tactic to run out the clock and leave these Jamaican workers and their families in an appalling situation,” added Jackson.
The PNP is demanding that the Minister of Finance and the government recognise that the well-being of these workers and their dependent families is at stake.
“They must decide whether they will let these families perish or demonstrate a spirit of humanity and care. The Opposition is once again calling upon the Minister of Finance to intervene immediately and resolve this crisis,” the release said.
