KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) says the Ministry of Labour must uphold both national and international labour standards, or it will seek intervention from the International Labour Organisation following a directive from the police commissioner that the chairman of the Police Officers’ Association (POA), vacate his post.

The JCTU said it is “deeply alarmed” by the directive issued by Commissioner of Police, Dr Kevin Blake, ordering that Chairman of the POA, Senior Superintendent Wayne Cameron, vacate his post and be denied recognition by the police high command.

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“This unprecedented action strikes at the heart of freedom of association, undermines democratic representation, and places Jamaica in direct violation of its obligations under the Constitution of Jamaica and core International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions,” the JCTU said on Wednesday.

It pointed to violations of:

ILO Convention 87, Freedom of Association, which guarantees that workers’ organisations shall elect their representatives in full freedom and conduct their administration and activities without interference by public authorities.

“By seeking to unseat the duly elected chairman who was chosen by POA members in November 2022 and whose mandate continues until 2025, the commissioner has intruded into the internal governance of the association. The further denial of access to the high command restricts the POA’s ability to fulfill its representative responsibilities,” the JCTU said.

It claimed Blake also violated ILO Convention 98, Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining, which protects workers’ organisations from acts of anti-union discrimination, particularly against elected leaders and employer interference in their administration and functioning.

The JCTU also said Blake’s order is a violation of the Constitution of Jamaica, as the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms provides that all persons are entitled to freedom of association and equality before the law.

“The POA derives its authority from the democratic will of its members, not from the employer,”  said the confederation.