Port of Marseilles Authority sees mixed referendum results

Port of Marseilles Authority sees mixed referendum results    The Port of Marseilles Authority (PMA) announced Friday the results of the referendum held Jan. 18-20, whereby the authority’s entire work-force was asked to vote on issues relating to the port’s future.
   The referendum turnout was 89.5 percent of the authority’s nearly 1,500 employees, who were asked three questions requiring a yes or no answer:
   * Question 1 canvassed support for the port authority’s investment strategy, including projects such as the Fos 2XL container terminal development. The count was: 80 percent yes, 18.1 percent no, 0.8 percent abstained and 1.1 percent void.
   * Question 2 sought backing for the search for a solution to the so-called 'baksheesh' payment system, whereby the regular salaries of PMA crane drivers working at Fos are supplemented by unofficial payments from the private stevedores who lease the facilities. The results were: 44.8 percent yes, 33.7 percent no, 19.2 percent abstained and the balance void.
   * Question 3 asked for approval of the implementation last November of revised working hours for the Fos crane drivers to enhance flexibility. The outcome was: 44.6 percent yes, 46.5 percent no, 7.3 percent abstained and 1.6 percent void.
   The PMA said the board will consider the results at its next regular meeting on Jan. 28.