Dear Editor,

In today’s hard economic climate, where living from day-to-day seems like a struggle for both poor and privileged Jamaicans, public sector workers need to realise that going on strike not only affects the country, but also hard-working citizens. People work hard to enjoy the various necessities of life, including water and light.

Workers’ quest for higher wages is understandable, but going on strike and staying off the job is not the way to show the government their disgust.

I was most surprised at the strike last Wednesday by workers at the National Water Commission. Employees need to realise that when they strike, consumers suffer and not the government. People who work hard to pay their bills are deprived of water for hours, or until the workers see it fit to return to their jobs. The workers need to serve consumers more efficiently.

Water is essential for day-to-day living. NWC workers need to find a way to show their dissatisfaction, as going on strikes isn’t a good way of airing their grievances.

Other public sector workers such as nurses and teachers must also realise that accepting their jobs means providing valuable services to the citizens of Jamaica.

They therefore need to find a different and more effective method to show their anger, as consumers who pay their bills are the ones being affected.

Employees, especially NWC workers, need to realise that if they work with the citizens of Jamaica in turn will work with them to ensure that they are properly awarded for their services.

Neville Charlton

buckam_buckam@yahoo.com