Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter
TRADE UNION members on the monitoring committee of the Public Sector Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), are expecting a firm commitment from the government in addressing the breaches of industrial relations practices by its public entities.
Today's meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.
Apart from the usual review of the performance of the MoU, trade union representatives have indicated that these breaches will top the agenda.
Wayne Jones, president of the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA), which represents more than 20,000 civil servants, told The Gleaner that in light of last week's development, where the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) threatened to pull out of the MoU because of these concerns, today's meeting is "more likely to spend the time addressing concerns as it relates to the industrial relation practices of government agencies."
RAISING CONCERNS
Similarly, Danny Roberts, vice president of the National Workers Union (NWU) said that the union would also be raising these concerns as it relates to the state-run companies, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) and the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission.
He said the Ministry would have to ensure that "the necessary actions are taken to ensure that the practice (breaches) stops."
Meanwhile, Senator Nelson declined to say whether the BITU would stick to its plan to withdraw from the MoU. "Well, all this hinges on what happens tomorrow (today)," he said.
He said the government's response to the 'comprehensive list of breaches will dictate the BITU's position after a meeting of its management team."
