AFTER more than two decades of discussions the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) marked a major milestone on Monday when 3,813 temporary workers were transitioned into permanent posts.

“These workers have earned this, and I hope this serves as motivation to keep going. This conversation has been ongoing for 20 years. I came to the authority in 2016, and we have fought hand in hand with our Minister of Local Government and Community Development Mr Desmond McKenzie, and our former Chairman Mr Dennis Chung,” said executive director of the NSWMA Audley Gordon during a transition function at its head office in St Andrew.

“It felt like a pipe dream. Today, we are correcting a shame, and our workers can finally plan their lives and futures with the security of permanent employment,” added Gordon.

He noted that the move is part of the Government’s broader effort to stabilise employment conditions and enhance the efficiency of the country’s solid waste management services.

According to Gordon, Cabinet’s recent approval of the 3,813 permanent posts across various categories, including drivers, sanitation officers, and operational staff, represents a significant step forward for the NSWMA and its regional subsidiaries,

He said the transition not only bolsters the stability of the NSWMA’s workforce but also ensures better waste disposal services for all Jamaicans.

“We have to acknowledge the significance of this moment; it’s a big deal,” said Gordon.

Among the employees transitioning to permanent roles was Deon Griffiths, a driver with Southern Parks and Markets (SPM) Waste Management Limited, who has been with the entity since September 2013.

Expressing his gratitude Griffiths said, “It’s a great milestone, and I believe my hard work has paid off. I am very grateful, and I can’t even express the joy I’m feeling. I will continue to do my work with excellence and proudly represent SPM and the NSWMA.”

Sheenique Johnson, corporate services director at NSWMA, outlined the steps being taken to secure the future of these employees, starting with sanitation workers and drivers.

“The transition process began in October with drivers and sanitation workers, and it will continue with the parks and gardens department and we move to other departments until all are covered. It’s not a one-day exercise.

“These workers have always had access to health and insurance benefits, but we are now working to finalise a pension plan in short order,” said Johnson.

In the meantime, Aretha McFarlane, operations director at the NSWMA, expressed her pride in the efforts of the public cleansing teams, many of whom played vital roles during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Their dedication, long service, and commitment have paid off. This is a new day for them, a new life, a new beginning. They can now access loans, and we are thankful to the Government of Jamaica for making this possible for this category of workers,” said McFarlane.

Monday’s transitioning ceremony also highlighted the collaborative effort between the NSWMA and the Government to support the long-term financial security of the NSWMA front-line workers, giving them access to benefits such as loans and National Housing Trust (NHT) services that were previously unavailable under temporary contracts.

Ian Rowe, sanitation officer, employed to SPM since 2016, extended his appreciation to the NSWMA and his team.

“I want to say thanks to Miss Narieka Logan, our regional administrator, and Mr Stephen Henry, public cleansing inspector, for their support throughout my journey here,” said Rowe.

During the ceremony it was pointed out that the transition to permanent positions marks a critical shift in how Jamaica approaches employment in the solid waste sector, underscoring the Government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of the nation’s workers and ensuring a cleaner, healthier Jamaica for all.

Two of the SPM Waste Management Limited employees who are transitioning from temporary staff to permanent posts, driver Deon Griffiths (left) and sanitation officer Ian Rowe.