‘We keep island ticking but get no recognition’

By Nicci Martel

Dairy staff were locked in pay talks for more than 45 minutes yesterday. Unite regional industrial organiser Ron Le Cras, pictured, said the full complement of about 20 workers had attended. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0564655)

DISRUPTION of airport and harbour operations would be just some of the consequences if public service employees strike.

The States employs about 1,000 manual workers, roughly 700 of whom are full time.

‘We always hear so much about the finance industry and of course we all know we need it, but finance workers need the services these people provide. They keep the island ticking every day but are not getting the recognition they deserve,’ said shop steward and Unite union member Richard De La Mare.

If States manual workers decided to take industrial action, the island’s two lifelines to the UK would be left without vital staff such as maintenance workers, attendants and mechanics.

‘If it went ahead we would have to invoke some form of contingency plan and it would be extremely inconvenient for the airport,’ said a spokesman yesterday.

The harbour would lose its marina staff, who are employed to deal with yachtsmen and 24-hour policing, harbour attendants, who are responsible for the main ferry terminal and directing traffic, and crane drivers.

Supermarket shelves could be left bare if the movement of freight was hindered.

The loss for States Works would also be severe. Rubbish collection would grind to a halt, as would sewage collection, leaving cesspit owners in a potentially messy situation.

There would be no road cleaning and public areas such as Saumarez Park and Candie Gardens would not be tended to either.

Schools would have to go without cleaners and caretakers and although hospital staff have said they would take only limited action, that could still cause delays in terms of appointments and operations.

Islanders might also have to forego their morning cup of tea and cornflakes as milk production would slow, if not cease, without the necessary Dairy staff.