KINGSTON, Jamaica — China Harbour Engineering Company Limited has confirmed that some workers involved in the multi-million dollar Mandela Highway Improvement Project have taken industrial action over working conditions.

The company, in a statement a short while ago, said it has been working with all stakeholders to facilitate the speedy return to normalcy and said it remains committed to strict adherence to the country’s labour laws and industry best practices.

See full statement below:

China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, as a partner in the sustainable development of Jamaica, regrets the interruption of work at the Mandela project site in St Catherine on Friday, June 1, 2018, and has been working with all stakeholders to facilitate the speedy return to normalcy.

The industrial action was taken by some members of the workforce who expressed concerns with their working conditions, such as wages, provision of protective gear and unfair treatment.

Following the industrial action, a meeting was held involving the Members of Parliament, the Liaison Officers representing the workers and the Management of CHEC during which it was agreed to suspend work until an amicable solution was arrived at.

CHEC wishes to emphasise that the company remains committed to strict adherence to the country’s labour laws and industry best practices.

In an effort to satisfy the high demand for job opportunities, the company has been constrained to implement job rotation where workers are engaged for short periods in order to allow another batch of workers an opportunity to work.

This has unfortunately contributed to the concerns being faced by the workers.

We continue to have dialogue with the stakeholders and a meeting is to be scheduled in short order where the concerns will be addressed. From this meeting we anticipate an amicable resolution and a speedy resumption of work. Importantly, we hope that greater understanding and a renewed commitment to teamwork will emerge as we strive to deliver value for money to the Government and people of Jamaica.

China Harbour Engineering Company thanks our partners and the public in general for their understanding as we continue to do our part in building a stronger Jamaica.