Fight of the Century

Ladies and Gentlemen: Let’s get ready to rumble!!!  On one side we have the government forces with Finance Minister Audley Shaw leading the way. On the other side we have the public sector workers comprised of police, nurses, teachers and civil servants all of whom are heavily represented by the unions.  This is going to be the war to end all wars; it is the fight for the hearts and minds of the people of Jamaica.  It looks as if there are overwhelming forces coming against the government.  The government puts it unbeaten record on the line but has it taken on more that it can handle?

The finance minister throws the first blow, a body shot, by stating that the country just can’t afford to pay the seven percent increase that was promised.  The teachers jab back by going on sick out for two days and bringing the education system to a halt.  The public responds in support of the teachers they are most distressed to have their children’s education disrupted simply because government doesn’t want to pay.

The minister shakes off the blows and keeps on moving, he looks totally unfazed.  The nurses respond with an uppercut by enforcing a work to rule and having a sick out leaving hospitals severely depleted of staff and patients needing more patience than ever.  John public sympathizes with the situation but there are some members who are most upset about the long waiting lines and the public support has lessened.

The Minister of Labour Pearnell Charles joins the fray and blocks the punches of the nurses by taking the matter to the Industrial Dispute Tribunal (IDT).  The IDT throws several body blows by ruling that the nurses must return to work.  The public sector looks wobbly and has to lean back on the ropes; the referee gives a standing eight count.  The Finance Minister looks confident and moves in to end the fight. He issues a statement saying that there is no money in the budget and if the government is to pay the seven percent increase then there will have to be immediate layoffs in the public sector.  Ooh a low blow, the referee steps in and instructs the judges to deduct a point from the government and issues his first warning.

As the economic situation deteriorates the support of the public changes sides.  Some argue that it is unfair to not pay what has been promised to the workers.  Others say that the workers should make the sacrifice for the benefit of the country as a whole. How will this fight end?  Can it go the distance?  Will the citizens continue to support the public sector enterprises or will they side with the government on the issue?  More importantly can Jamaica survive the turmoil of ill will that is blowing through the country? Stay tuned to this station to find out.