KINGSTON, Jamaica— Opposition Spokesman on Labour and Social Security, Dr Floyd Morris, is urging the Government to ensure that there is a proper compensation mechanism in place for employees in the construction industry, especially skilled workers.

The call from the Opposition spokesman comes after Prime Minister Andrew Holness hinted at the importation of skilled labourers as there is a shortage.

READ: PM hints at possible importation of skilled workers due to local shortage

“The Government must ensure that there is a proper compensation mechanism for all employees in the construction industry. If there is a shortage of workers, since we are operating in a market economy, there should be adequate compensation for those labourers who are in short supply,” Morris said.

“If anything, poor remuneration would be the primary reason for any shortage of skilled workmen and women in the construction industry. Every time these individuals are trained and certified, they migrate to countries where the wages are far more lucrative,” the spokesman added.

He called for training and certification of skilled labourers, and that proper compensation should be addressed.

“We must ramp up the training and certification of skilled workmen and women in the industry. But equally, proper remuneration must be placed on the table for these individuals whose skills are in demand globally. If we do not compensate them properly, then we are going to continue to lose these individuals whenever they are trained and certified.”

In a warning to the government Morris said that he will not allow the importation of labourers without adequate consultation.

“We will not sit idly by and allow such measures to be implemented without adequate consultation with all the stakeholders in the industry and country,” he said.