TRADE unions representing Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) employees decided last night to serve a 24-hour ultimatum on the company, which expires tonight, to resolve a dispute over a protracted reclassification and pay review.

But prior to the expiration of the ultimatum, employees of the company are expected to stage lunch-hour demonstrations at major JPS locations, starting today, to promote their case and seek public ‘sympathy’.

The decision was, in fact, a compromise between the union leaders – National Workers Union (NWU) president emeritus Clive Dobson and Bustamante Industrial Trade Union vice president Wesley Nelson – and about 30 angry delegates attending a meeting at the NWU’s head office at East Street in Kingston yesterday.

The delegates said that the workers were awaiting a call to close down the power company, immediately.

Nelson suggested a work-to-rule to show the management that they were serious. But Dobson said that work-to-rules did not work with the JPS. He suggested a 24-hour ultimatum, as a precursor to a strike, and this was agreed.

The delegates warned that they were not prepared to block a strike by the workers, if the matter is not resolved by tomorrow.

“The workers are in a resolute and uncompromising mood!” one delegate yelled.

Dobson appealed to the workers that whatever action they wished to take, should not do any damage to sectors like hospitals and the fire service.

“Any action we are going to have, must be on the basis that we take into consideration those institutions that are in the national interest,” he insisted.

Not even a letter from Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Omar Davies assuring them that the Government would ensure that the issues are addressed before formally endorsing the sale of Mirant’s 80 per cent share of the JPS to Japanese firm Murabeni could calm the delegates.

The issue stems primarily from recommendations arising from a job evaluation and compensation review done at the company by Trevor Hamilton and Associates and Peat Marwick and Partners, respectively, since 2002. The reviews found that the salaries of most of the workers were not in keeping with industry standards, and recommended commensurate increases.