Labour ministry intervenes in hospital workers dispute

Jerome Reynolds, Gleaner Writer

The Labour Ministry has intervened in the dispute between workers employed to three of the country’s major hospitals and their employer, Lamasa Limited.

The approximately 500 porters and janitors are restive over outstanding salaries, allowances and work conditions.

The workers are spread across the Kingston Public Hospital, the Victoria Jubilee Hospital and the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

This morning some 200 porters and janitors attached to KPH and Victoria Jubilee stayed away from duties to signal their frustration about the situation.

Senior Negotiating Officer at the National Workers Union (NWU), Robert Harris, said outstanding payments go as far back as 2010.

Harris said despite reaching a settlement agreement some months ago, the company is yet to indicate an implementation date, which has angered workers.

He says following discussions, the labour ministry has called a meeting for this afternoon between the parties with the aim of reaching an agreement.

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