Unite declares dispute with the Port Authority

Unite has declared an industrial dispute with the Port Authority, over what it sees as the "compulsory retirement" of one of its members.

The union says this was through "refusal to extend their service beyond the GPA's normal retirement age".

Unite says the Port had previously sought to consult the union over a proposed reduction in its workforce, and that this hasn't happened yet.

It believes the real reason for dismissal is "redundancy to fit the GPA's plan to reduce headcount".

However, Number Six says it "categorically rejects the suggestion that this matter in any way constitutes a redundancy".

It says it can't comment on an individual employee's retirement due to legal and data protection constraints, but that there has been no attempt to undermine collective bargaining arrangements.

Unite, for its part, says a vote was held at a general meeting where all present sections of the Port Authority membership agreed to declare a trade dispute.

Claire Hernandez spoke to Regional Officer, Donovan Correia.