Update | Kingston Freeport CEO says salaries will be cut if sickout continues

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) Captain Jedrzej Mierzewski says any worker that participate in "orchestrated" under way at Jamaica's main port, will have their salaries cut.

The caution was sent via a memo Thursday morning after several production workers reported sick for the 6 a.m. shift.

"The company has noted that an unusual number of employees have called in sick today. We further note that this also occurred on Monday, 27, January 2025. KFTL considers both 'sick-outs', as well as the messages, letters and voice notes which have been circulating, as an orchestrated attempt to frustrate the negotiation process with the union and disrupt normal operations," Mierzewski said.

Dozens of workers called in sick, following a meeting with the staff's union Trades Union Congress and the company.

They believe that the union is acting against their interest and that the company has not been transparent amid a proposed salary adjustment.

The proposed salary increase, arising a job evaluation exercise, has been rejected by the employees as "disappointing" and "disrespectful".

"Any employee who participates in an orchestrated sick-out will be considered as not having shown up for work and will not be paid for the relevant period. Furthermore, unauthorised absence, deliberate restriction of work or intentional slowdown of work are disciplinary breaches and will be treated accordingly," the CEO said.

He warned that the company will not accept what he called unsanctioned actions which have disrupted activities at the terminal and which, he said, serve to negatively impact the morale of the majority of the workforce.

"If you have concerns, we encourage you to follow the appropriate channels for discussion. Let's work together to maintain a positive and productive work environment while not jeopardising the future of our terminal," Mierzewski said.

The STAR has been unable to reach Barry Dawes, general secretary of Trades Union Congress, for comment.

- Kimone Franics

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