The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

SIGNIFICANT hurricane damage and the substantial loss of container business has forced the Freeport Container Port to downsize its labour force.

Approximately 20 workers were laid off, in addition to voluntary separation packages which were given out, said an independent public relations and media consultant for the Freeport Container Port.

“After reviewing its operations structure post Hurricane Matthew, 60 per cent of the equipment was damaged and over 70 per cent of container capacity lost, management has had to make a hard decision to downsize,” the consultant, who did not want to be named, said.

“The Freeport Container Port has maintained a staff complement of at least 500 employees, and is doing its best to spread out the responsibilities in securing employment with shorter work weeks, but some employees opted to settle and take the company’s volunteer package,” the consultant said.

The spokesperson stated that the process has not been taken lightly, but is necessary in order to allow for the business to continue.

He noted that workers received severance packages that were compliant with and in some cases exceed labour law requirements and rules applicable with the collective bargaining agreement.

The Ministry for Grand Bahama, Ministry for Labour and the Grand Bahama Dock & Allied Workers Union have been advised of the separations.

The consultant said that work continues at the FCP terminal on repairs to the office buildings, the remaining equipment that can be repaired and the infrastructure in the fastest possible time frame.

He said the container port, airport and harbour are grateful to the hardworking staff who have and continue to work diligently to restart all three business units since the passing of Hurricane Matthew.

The company has been very supportive of its employees by presenting early Christmas bonuses to all staff, included in the severance package. The laid off workers will continue to have access to insurance up to three months after separation.

The consultant said that building and material supplies continue, generator assistance has been made available to all employees, free meals for weeks post hurricane Matthew, and staff loans have been extended, and the company avoided immediate dismissal/terminations.

He noted that the company has contributed to community/staff assistance in excess of $300,000 given the company’s situation.

Regarding comments by union activist Lionel Morley, the consultant said that “officials at the Freeport Container Port will not respond to Morley’s baseless charges with regards to the recent downsizing.”

“Morley has no relevant status and his facts are twisted. Further, Hutchison need not discuss its present and former personnel’s internal affairs in the media. The relevant authorities have been contacted by management of the Freeport Container Port.”

“Clearly, FCP experienced severe damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew and that has impacted the day-to-day operations. Based on my talks with former and present employees, FCP went all out during the aftermath of the storm to address the well-being of staff members and sectors of the Grand Bahama community,” the consultant said.

Mr Morley has accused the port of firing workers who wanted to join with a union not recognised by the business.