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Incorporation of ports will not guarantee profits
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From Kevin McAlonan, negotiations officer, Prospect Union, and adviser to the Jersey Civil Service Association.
WE have read with interest your report and editorial comment (JEP, 30 July) on the incorporation of the Ports of Jersey. It is important to recognise that at the moment no decision has yet been made.
The statement by the minister accepts that there are short-term costs associated with this project but in the longer term he believes that the Ports of Jersey will move into profit and the returns to the state will increase.
However, this is speculation. Not all of these incorporation ventures succeed and if this one does not then the bill will be picked up by the people of Jersey.
So, the public scrutiny of the business case and the States Greffe becomes vital. I strongly urge the people of Jersey to study these proposals to ensure that the impact of the change of ownership measures up to the intention. After all, the State of Jersey has previously discovered that a thorough and professional business case will sometimes expose the intentions of politicians, no matter how well meaning.
As to your comment on the role of the unions, I confirm that Prospect as a national union believes public assets such as the Ports of Jersey should remain publicly owned. We do, however, have a long history of applying this policy pragmatically taking account of local culture and the best interests of both the employees and the community. But ultimately this is a political decision and one for the people of Jersey.
Our main role is to protect the interests and promote the aspirations of our members caught up in a change process over which they have little control. It is in everyone’s interest that this process continues. The law in Jersey offers little protection to employees in this situation so we have to do it ourselves. We are working closely with a skilled management team to achieve this.
Change will happen. Job and career opportunities for some will diminish in a smaller employment pool. But to retain their skilled and professional staff the Ports of Jersey will need to review the pay rates and conditions of employment of highly marketable employees.
Whatever the outcome of the States’ debate, the unions and the Ports of Jersey management will work to ensure the best outcome for everyone. Now that is a story that rarely makes the headlines or gets included in editorial comment columns.
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