Ports are sinking, Minister warns

COMMUNICATIONS Minister Averoff Neophytou yesterday issued a stark warning to the island’s port workers: accept change or have change forced upon you.

The Minister said local ports were "sinking" and the government was not about to let port workers’ refusal to change work practices stand in the way of its rescue package.

"We would like to move forward through consensus. But if some parties take advantage of the protectionism provided by colonial legislation, then they should know that the government has other choices," Neophytou told a Nicosia workshop of port industry workers and bosses.

His warning was directed at harbour stevedores, who are baulking at government plans to introduce 24-hour service at ports.

The port porters say they are allowed, by law, to clock off at 2.30 pm and should be paid overtime for any work after this hour.

Neophytou made clear the government would not hesitate, if pushed, to amend the relevant law, which dates from the days of British rule. "Laws are not gospel and they can be changed," he said.

The government has a four-part plan for revitalising ports.

These four parts are modernisation, 24-hour service, cost reduction and more efficient service.

Limassol and, in particular, Larnaca ports have suffered badly in recent years due to competition from cheaper, more efficient East Mediterranean ports offering 24-hour loading and unloading services.

Things at Larnaca port have got so bad that the government now wants to turn it into a cruise ship terminal.

"The chronic problems of our port industry are well known. The ship of our port industries is sinking," Neophytou told yesterday’s workshop.

The aim of the workshop, organised by the Communications Ministry, is to arrive at some form of consensus on action to save ports.