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November 1, 2009
New Approach to Industrial Relations Coming
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Minister of Labour and Social Security the Honourable Pearnel Charles has said a new approach to Industrial Relations (IR) in Jamaica is coming built on partnership and cooperation that will move the practice from the 20th to the 21st century.
The minister was speaking at a dinner hosted by bauxite/alumina company Jamalco to recognize former Human Resources and Administration Manager Sharon Brown at the Hilton Kingston Hotel last night (Saturday, October 31.)
Minister Charles, in his keynote address, said that Jamalco’s leadership, including Sharon Brown as HR manager, is to be commended because while many persons felt that the company was “wicked” for its approach to IR, “it is the only plant alive today and it is the result of the leadership taken at the plant.”
He added that “we must look at Industrial Relations with a new vision of partnership and cooperation. The old paradigm of master and servant and oppression has gotten us nowhere. The investor’s capital is his labour and the worker’s labour is his capital.”
The minister noted that this new approach required the education of and building of trust and respect among all players as the way forward would be difficult and challenging. He said that lock-out of workers by management and workers walking off the job must be things of the past. “Disputes must be settled at the bargaining table,” he added.
Former Human Resources and Administration Manager Sharon Brown resigned from Jamalco at the end of September after 24 years with the company. She was the first Jamaican Financial Controller and first female manager at Jamalco.
Managing Director Jerome Maxwell highlighted the former manager’s visionary leadership and integrity, and her outstanding contribution in reforming financial and accounting processes at the company. “She has met many challenges and has surpassed what we thought was achievable,” he added.
Jamalco’s Manager of Corporate Services and Government Affairs Leo Lambert, who chaired the function, thanked Mrs. Brown for her “wise council and upbeat attitude.”
Other speakers at the function attended by Jamalco’s executive management team, business partners from government, regulatory agencies, the trade union and legal and accounting companies lauded Mrs. Brown for her outstanding contribution to the company and to Jamaica.
General Secretary of the Union of Technical and Supervisory Personnel (UTASP), that represents this group of Jamalco employees, St. Patrice Ennis lauded the former HR manager who he met many times at the bargaining table as “loyal and dedicated, the fiercest defender of Jamalco who defended the company’s position with grace, yet she was mindful that she was a worker too.”
General Manager of Clarendon Alumina Partner Limited, the company through which the government of Jamaica owns 45% of Jamalco, Winston Hayden said that in her work Mrs. Brown was representative of Alcoa’s business systems adding that her success was symbolic of Alcoa’s success.
Managing Director of the Jamaica Bauxite Institute recalled Mrs. Brown’s role in negotiations to restructure the Bauxite Levy in 2003, and to gain productivity incentives for workers, noting that she is “a super professional who always tries to find solutions. We owe you a debt of gratitude for what you have done for Jamalco and Jamaica.”
Formers chairman of CAP, Dr. Carlton Davis also praised the former manager for her contribution during the nine years she spent on the Jamalco Board, noting that she combined loyalty to company with loyalty to country. He added that her contribution to industrial relations was outstanding.
At the end of the ceremony, held in an intimate setting with a tasteful décor featuring Jamalco and Jamaica’s colours, Mrs. Brown was presented with several gifts from Jamalco and CAP. She was also serenaded with several musical selections.
In response to the accolades given her, Mrs. Brown said that her focus throughout her career was not on personal achievement, “it was about doing the best job I could. I am honoured that I was able to serve.” She urged her former coworkers and guests to continue building Jamalco and Jamaica so that they can leave a legacy for their families.
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