Labour ministry, hospital workers meeting underway

A meeting is now underway at the ministry of labour in an effort to quell a growing dispute involving porters and janitors contracted to Lamasa Limited at the Kingston Public and the Victoria Jubilee hospitals.

The workers stayed away from duties yesterday, to signal their frustration with the company over unpaid salaries and allowances and poor working conditions.

It is understood that the action was carried out by some 200 workers.

Senior Negotiating Officer at the National Workers Union, 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.

A meeting which was scheduled for yesterday afternoon to resolve the matter failed to get underway.

However, the union and company are expected to meet at the labour ministry at 10 a.m. today to discuss the issues.

radio@gleanerjm.com