The National Workers Movement (NWM) has decided not to move forward with planned industrial action, after Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves intervened in the ongoing dispute between the NWM and the St. Vincent Shipyard Limited formally the Ottley Hall Marina.
The dispute stems from issues related to working conditions for local employees at the Shipyard as well as alleged indiscriminate termination of workers, claims by workers that they are being denied basic amenities as stipulated in the collective agreement and the matters surrounding the renewal of the collective agreement.
Speaking at a Media Briefing yesterday afternoon, General Secretary of the NWM, Noel Jackson said after the dispute arose, the Department of Labour was asked to intervene.
Mr. Jackson said the Prime Minister has written to the operators of the Shipyard and in his letter he has requested that they abide by the laws which govern employment within St. Vincent and the Grenadines, among other things.
He said this intervention by the Prime Minister has resulted in the NWM re-thinking its plan to take Industrial action on Monday and they are willing to once again enter into negotiations to have the outstanding issues addressed.
Mr. Jackson pointed out that since the Prime Minister’s intervention, the Managers at the St. Vincent Shipyard Limited have produced a draft Collective Agreement.
He said they are committed to re-starting negotiations to have the issues addressed in a timely and professional manner.
