Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer

OCHO RIOS, St. Ann:

It is still uncertain whether classes will resume today at the Marcus Garvey Technical High School in St. Ann's Bay, following yesterday's closure of the institution due to an industrial action by the school's ancillary staff.

Up to late yesterday, the principal and representatives of the Bustamante Industrial Trades Union (BITU), which represents the workers, were locked in a meeting trying to resolve the dispute.

Members of the ancillary staff padlocked the two gates to the school early yesterday morning, blocking both teachers and students, including Principal Leslie Riley, from entering.

The workers said they were protesting over the laying off of one of their colleagues, and also the failure of the school to pay them outstanding overtime allowances.

When teachers and students turned up at the school yesterday for the start of the 7:00 a.m. shift, they were surprised to see the gates closed and covered with several placards denouncing the principal.

It is understood that the decision to take industrial action was decided on at a meeting at the school last Friday.

Mr. Riley, who had to climb over a wall to get to his office, said he was very surprised at the action taken by the workers.

School closure ordered

The principal, after consulting with chairman of the school board, attorney-at-law, Hopeton Henry, then ordered the closure of the school until further notice.

He told The Gleaner that the worker who was laid off in June this year was a casual worker, and that it was customary to lay off casual workers and re-hire them if their service was needed.

He also said that all monies owed to the ancillary workers have been paid to them.

However, the protesters claimed that the dismissed worker, Swaby Brown, was given a letter by the Ministry of Education in July, instructing that he be reinstated.