Union serves 72-hour strike notice on JPS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Union of Clerical, Administrative and Supervisory Employees (UCASE) says it has served a 72-hour strike notice on the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) following a breakdown in wage and fringe benefits negotiations.
In a statement a short while ago, UCASE said the notice will take effect as of 4:30 pm today, April 26, and expire on 4:30 pm on Monday.
The UCASE strike notice follows a statement by JPS earlier today refuting claims made by the union that there has been a breakdown in negotiations.
The JPS argued that its last meeting with the union was on April 10, where it made a number of proposals.
Subsequent to that, the JPS said the leadership of UCASE agreed to a scheduled meeting for next Thursday, May 2, to continue the dialogue.
“In the meantime, they had indicated that they would be discussing the proposals with the relevant staff. JPS is therefore surprised to hear that the company has not delivered expected counter proposals to the union,” the energy company said.
The company said it is now awaiting feedback on the various elements of the proposal and looks forward to meeting with UCASE on May 2.
“JPS will also be meeting with the union and Ministry of Labour on Monday April 29, and looks forward to eventually reaching an amicable agreement for the benefit of all parties,” JPS said in its statement.
