Phillips
Leonardo Blair, Staff Reporter
THE MINISTRY of National Security and the unions representing 70 warders still on interdiction since 2000, are now squabbling over who should be the independent reviewer of the cases of warders who were recommended for retirement in the public interest last year.
The warders were among about 800 who had staged a sick out to protest against the Government's decision to re-appoint then Commissioner of Corrections, Lt. John Prescod, as the head of the Correctional Department in 2000.
Of the 800 warders, 613 returned to work last May while others who had reached retirement age accepted the retirement package. The remaining 70, who had rejected an offer to retire in the public interest and who say they want back their jobs, are now in limbo as the unions, the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) and the Jamaica Union of Public Officers and Public Employees (JUPOPE) and the Ministry debate who should be selected as the independent reviewer.
"The parties have not been able to proceed because they can't decide on who the independent reviewer should be," said Lambert Brown, vice-president of the UAWU. "We (unions and Ministry) have narrowed it down from a list of 20 persons and now we are down to two," he said.
After months of meetings to decide on the reviewer, the unions and the Ministry were still at a deadlock in the latest meeting held last Thursday.
"We met and there is still no agreement, there is still a deadlock as to who the reviewer should be. We have indicated to the permanent secretary that it may be useful for the Minister (of National Security) to get involved," said Mr. Brown.
In the meantime, however, some of the affected warders and their families are praying that the matter will be resolved soon and they will be able to resume their duties as warders.
LIVE OFF QUARTER PAY
The warders who have been trying to live off quarter pay since 2000 say it has not been easy.
"We the wives and the girlfriends are frustrated. You have to find all the rent, all the utilities. I just had twins last year," said Debbie-Ann Parkinson-Gordon, wife of interdicted warder, Austin Gordon.
"Since 2000 I have been on quarter pay and I can't get any work because anywhere you go employers want a letter of recommendation but because of the situation it has been difficult," said Mr. Gordon. "At any rate, I don't want any pay off, I want back my job."
The agreement which ushered the successful return of the 613 warders last year was brokered between the trade unions and National Security Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips, as a result the unions are hoping that a similar move involving Dr. Phillips can be made again to settle the reviewer dispute.
Mr. Brown stated that the union will continue the fight for an additional 100 warders on a B list, who the Government plans to send on retirement in the public interest. According to National Security Minister, Peter Phillips, these are warders whose performance is unquestionable.
