KINGSTON, Jamaica – Correctional officers in at least three of the island’s penal facilities have reportedly taken industrial action over prolonged wage negotiations.

The affected facilities are the Metcalf Street Juvenile Remand Centre, Horizon Remand Centre and the Tamarind Farm Adult Prison.

It is reported that the officers have been operating on a work-to-rule basis, whereby visitors are not allowed and inmates are fed and placed on lock down. Sources say only emergency cases are allowed medical attention.

Reports reaching OBSERVER ONLINE are that the government has not honoured its commitment to meet with unions representing the Department of Correctional Services. 

The unions are the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) and Jamaica Federation of Correctional Officers.

“The government negotiators continue to give the run around,” one correctional officer commented.

He said a meeting scheduled for Monday was postponed until Thursday but up to Friday morning, there has been no word from the government.