- The SAJ became the sole employer of portworkers in Kingston Harbour.
- This decade saw an increasing pace toward industrial harmony on the Port with the Joint Industrial Council (JIC) being established for shipping labour and management. The JIC continues today and provides a forum for discussion and cooperation between the management in the wider shipping community and the Unions representing the workers.
- The decade also saw a move towards modernization with the introduction of several important initiatives. These include the Portworkers Superannuation Scheme, 1954; the Farley Commission of Enquiry, 1959, which led to the establishment of the Portworkers’ Emergency Relief Fund.
- January 27, 1939 – Formation of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, as a registered Trade Union under the Trade Unions Law of 1919 as amended by Law 35 of 1938.
- Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) which was formed the previous year was the main organiser on behalf of portworkers.
- SAJ Organised employers on the public wharves and took charge of registration of portworkers. On behalf of its members, SAJ becomes sole negotiator with employee’s trade unions.
- SAJ was put in charge of several aspects of security on the port.
- During this decade, the Association was also put in charge of security on the wharves and Pilotage in the Kingston Harbour.
- 1944 saw the Government setting up fact finding commission under Justice Cluer.
- Wharf companies in Kingston amalgamate to form Kingston Wharves Ltd.
- Towards the end of the decade, the United Portworkers Union was founded by Seymour Warner.
