Devon Evans and Ceila Morgan, Gleaner Writers

Approximately 180 truck drivers contracted to Windalco bauxite company in Schwallenburg, St Ann, yesterday morning withdrew their services to protest against what they say are changes to be implemented at the end of the month.

The drivers who are sub-contracted to the United States-based company Washington Group, claim they learned of plans by the company to terminate their services.

The Washington Group provides mining services for Windalco.

The drivers, who gathered outside the entrance to the Windalco plant near Faiths Pen, also used their vehicles to block the road leading to the mines.

One driver, who spoke with The Gleaner, said the drivers are concerned about their ability to make payments on their vehicles.

"We owe for our trucks and we cannot have them bringing 120 tonners and 140 tonners and push us out of our work that we have been doing for 10 years," said Steve Hutchinson, a truck driver contracted to Windalco.

"They (Windalco) have increased need for bauxite, we have the units that can supply them at a cheaper rate than which they (Washington Group) are doing it and they are putting us out of a job," he added.

Mr. Hutchinson went on to explain that if things remain the same, banks will foreclose on their loans for the trucks.

When contacted, a spokesman for the Washington Group explained that the drivers are subcontracted by the company LC Bennett to carry out haulage services.

However, that contract will expire next month.

Attempts to reach the management of LC Bennett for a comment on the matter proved futile.