WICO Dock in 2015 By. ERNICE GILBERT/ VI CONSORTIUM
ST. THOMAS — The West Indian Company Limited informed employees Tuesday that a "significant" number of workers will lose their jobs in the coming weeks as WICO prepares for an end to its contract with the Government Employees' Retirement System (GERS) to manage Havensight Mall in St. Thomas.
According to Interim President and CEO Anthony Ottley, the WICO Board of Directors, " ... resolved to fairly compensate each of its dedicated employees facing termination by developing a severance package commensurate with each employee’s years of service with the Company."
In its written statement, WICO expressed its gratitude for employees."WICO worked exhaustively over the last five months in an attempt to reconcile differences with GERS, continue its management role for Havensight Mall, and save the jobs of all of its employees."
The Consortium has learned through three sources with knowledge of the matter that 15 employees will be let go in the first phase of the workforce reduction. WICO is expected to let go over 20 employees in total.
Meanwhile, the GERS has publicly advertised for at least nine job openings,. The include:
- Carpenter
- Mason
- Painter
- Plumber
- Landscape Gardner/ Laborer
- Journeyman/ Electrician
- Custodial Worker
- Security Officer
- Security Supervisor
The GERS ad goes on to say that current employees assigned to the Havensight Mall are "strongly encouraged" to apply or reapply for the open positions. GERS also asks that for more information or to apply, interested persons should contact the GERS at www.usvigers.com
