Job Loss Looming in Paradise

Tropical Trepidation: The prospect of massive job cuts in Jamaica may inspire newfound cooperation between employers and trade unions, according to the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper. The two sides reportedly are working to find ways of minimizing the impact on the island nation’s economy and employment. Among the possible scenarios reported: staggering work hours, alternate work schedules, perhaps even “temporary salary cuts for some categories of employees.” Although unions and employers are tight-lipped about which options are preferred, “it appears a combination of these might be implemented to prevent hundreds, or possibly thousands, of Jamaicans from losing their jobs.” Nevertheless, comments attributed to union leaders indicate little acceptance for slashing pay. It would instead be preferable, according to one labor leader, to devise “some sort of a social partnership” involving unions, private employers and the Jamaican government.