Sigh Of Relief For PSA Staff
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Following weeks of suspense, there was a sigh of relief among workers of PSA Muara Container Terminal after the Ministry of Communications and Ports Department gave an assurance yesterday that they will be employed back given their vast experience in port-handling over the past years.

The assurance came during a second briefing with the Ports Department yesterday morning, casting away doubts that have been lingering over the past few weeks after the PSA MCT announced that the 25-year agreement that began in 2000 will prematurely end on April 1, 2007 this year.

The 11.30am briefing was between the PSA MCT staff and the Ministry of Communications, Ports and Department, which lasted for more than two hours.

One of the PSA staff, Hj Mohammad said, more encouraging news was delivered as "we are expected to be employed back judging by our experience. An assurance was also given that the rights of the workers will be looked upon."

He added: "More detailed information was delivered yesterday compared to the first briefing held last Wednesday. The authorities said the job issue should be cleared out before April 1, 2007. However, the name of the new operator is still under discussion.

"Priority will be given to the locals. But for foreign workers, their expertise in crane and heavy machinery equipment handling is needed before the locals are qualified to take over such work," said Hj Mohammad.

Another staff, Yadi also voiced similar views that the glum mood has been now lifted and the future seems to be bright because the workers were worried lately of being jobless. "If we are worried, morale is down. All of us were happy after the meeting when the explanation from the Ports made us confident," Yadi said.

He said right now, it is difficult to get a job and the government is repeatedly urging Bruneians to look for jobs in the private sector. Meanwhile, the Bulletin received text messages from the PSA staff thanking the media. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Related News: PSA Quits Muara Terminal | PSA Muara Move Worries Workers | Muara Port Returns To Govt In April | Ministry Assures Port Users Of Continued
Efficiency | Workers Express Job Fears

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