Dear Claudienne,

We are psychiatric nursing aides and on July 1,2019, we were employed by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) on two year contracts to work at the Marie Atkins Night Shelter.

From July 2019 to July 2020 we were required to work double shifts from 6 am to 10 pm daily. However, although we worked 10-11 double shifts each month, we were not paid for the additional shifts. They also refused to pay us shift premium compensation.

The KSAMC did not renew our contracts and we have not been paid the money owed to us for the 2 pm to 10 pm shift. We need the money and would appreciate your help in this matter.

JK & PT

Dear JK & PT,

Tell Claudienne has been in communication with the KSAMC in regard to your complaint. On November 8, 2021 the column received an e-mail from the KSAMC. The KSAMC said that the internal audit that was conducted showed that “both Psychiatric Aides were paid their basic salaries and relevant Allowances based on the shifts worked.”

The e-mail further stated the following: “Also, they were paid gratuity at the expiration of their employment contracts. Presently, the Corporation is seeking guidance from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service as it relates to the payment of basic pay for ‘extra hours’ worked, for which they had already received the appropriate allowances. And as soon as a response is received, same will be communicated to you.”

Tell Claudienne subsequently learned that the KSAMC had sought advice from the Ministry of Finance Compensation Unit, Strategic Human Resource Management Division. The column notes that the auditor of the KSAMC has prepared payments for both of you.

However, PT has told Tell Claudienne that the amount of money she has received from the KSAMC is much less than the $750,000 she calculated that she should have been paid, based on her salary. She told the column that she was going to obtain salary statements from the bank to verify that she has been underpaid. JK is now living in Portland and could not be contacted.

The human resources director at the KSAMC said that the auditor is willing to discuss the matter with both of you. So please get the salary statements from the bank and make arrangements to discuss the issue with the auditor.

We wish you all the best.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 876-936-9436 or cell # 876-484-1349 or write to: Tell Claudienne c/o Sunday Finance, Jamaica Observer, 40-421/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail:edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com. Please include a contact phone number.