THE National Workers Union (NWU) and the management of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) reached an agreement Thursday that prevented a strike and possible power outages as a result.

The parties, who had met in an emergency meeting on Monday, continued talks Thursday at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The meetings followed a 72-hour strike notice issued by the union last Friday, citing failed attempts to get the light and power company to honour its agreements with the workers.

In the agreement, a copy of which was seen by the Jamaica Observer, the parties acknowledged that on Monday, May 13, 2024, current contractor Michael Marsden will be immediately converted to a permanent staff with an effective date from April 1, 2024 upon completion of the ethics questionnaire.

“On the same day, at 10:00 am, the management of the JPS will have consultative discussions with the NWU with respect to the implementation of the ethics policy. These discussions will be held at the offices of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, North Street, Kingston,” the document read.

It was also agreed that industrial peace will be maintained during this period and that there will be no victimisation on either side.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer following Thursday’s meeting, NWU General Secretary Granville Valentine said that while the dispute “is not totally over” he is pleased that the parties were able to come to an amicable solution.

He said that the outstanding matter to be further discussed in the meeting on Monday relates to the commencement and confirmation of the conversion of another 15 workers to permanent employees.

In addition, he said the parties have also agreed that the implementation of the ethics policy must be discussed in accordance with the Labour Relations Code, Section 19 (b).

“Section 19 (b) of the Labour Relations Code clearly outlines how consultation should take place between management and workers/management and union as it relates to any introductions of new policies, redundancies etcetera,” he explained.

Valentine thanked the labour ministry and the minister for getting involved to resolve the dispute.

“And we thank our team, but as we continue to defend the rights and justice of working-class people in this country, we will go as far as we have to go and to do what is necessary within law in defending the rights of workers and to ensure that our workers are treated fairly and with respect,” he said.

Last Sunday, the NWU alleged that the management of JPS had breached signed agreements and policies that were in force and agreed upon.

“This just can’t go [any] further because we have tried on numerous occasions to have the management address these issues… but they have failed dismally to move without their hands being forced,” he said.

Valentine said the union had no option but to threaten industrial action then, as the company had breached signed agreements and ignored repeated calls for it to stick with what was agreed.

Responding to the strike notice on Sunday, the JPS said it requested the meeting with the labour ministry as it sought to have the points of disagreement between itself and the union resolved swiftly and amicably.

The company said it is committed to continuing the process of converting contract employees to permanent status, in keeping with its agreement with the union. The conversions, under this agreement, it said, were being done over a three-year period, starting in 2023, and are on track for completion by 2025 as agreed,” said JPS in its release.