Jamaica loses its ‘best negotiator’, Anthony Irons
ANTHONY I RONS, a former permanent secretary and an architect of Jamaica’s industrial movement, has been praised as a fair-minded person who did much to contribute to the development and harmony of the industrial peace of Jamaica.
Senator Lambert Brown, president of the University and Allied Workers Union, who interacted with Irons on the labour front, described him as a patriot who did much to ensure fairness between management and labour in Jamaica.
“I first met him when he was at the Ministry of Finance and later when he went to the Ministry of Labour. He contributed significantly to industrial relations in Jamaica,” said Brown.
Brown described I rons as a patriot who loved his country.
He recalled Irons not only as being someone who provided balance between workers and management but who was also an avid sportsperson.
FAIR-MINDED INDIVIDUAL
“He lived his life as a fair-minded person, a quality that he brought to bear on decisions in the industrial relations field,” said Brown.
Irons was also head of the Industrial Disputes Tribunal and served as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Labour as well as to former Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller.
Former trade unionist and parliamentarian, Pearnel Charles Sr, yesterday described Irons as a great negotiator who was able to settle disputes between management and workers before they escalated.
“Because of his understanding of the i ssues, his advice and suggestions were always sought and welcomed,” said Charles.
He said that, because of the respect and relationship that he had with both employers and workers, Irons was able to cut through issues that kept both sides apart, coming up with solutions that were acceptable across the board.
“His fair-mindedness and wisdom will be missed,” said Charles.
Charles described him as the country’s “best negotiator”, who was loved by both management and workers.
Irons, who will be remembered by some as one of the commissioners who presided over the Manatt, Phelps and Phillips Commission of Enquiry, was 85.