Workers at Falmouth pier remain on strike

Up to news time, workers at the construction site for the Falmouth Cruise Ship Pier in Trelawny remained off the job.

About 450 trade workers, labourers and store keepers took strike action this morning to protest what they claim is an unfair tax deduction scheme being used by the company and for an increase in their wages.

The workers, who are employed to E. Pihl and Sons Limited, say they will stay off the job until they engage a trade union to represent their interest.

The strike by the workers could threaten Friday’s arrival of the cruise ship Navigator of the Sea.

A project manager at the site Jes Olsen says if the protest continues the ship will not be able to dock at the pier 8 o’ clock on Friday morning as scheduled.

He says preparations for the arrival of the vessel includes the cleaning up of buildings and walkways, the construction of temporary fencing and the connection of water supply and sewage lines.

The project manager says this can be accomplished in two days if the workers resume duties.