IDT puts brakes on industrial action by disgruntled JUTC workers

The Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) has ordered disgruntled Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) workers, upset about a salary deduction issue, not to engage in industrial action.

Further, the tribunal has ordered the company to refrain from making any salary deductions in respect of the alleged advance payments against arrears until the matter has been determined by the body in accordance with the agreed Terms of Reference.

The order, issued on Wednesday, follows the referral of the industrial dispute to the IDT for settlement by the Minister of Labour and Social Security under Section 11A(1)(a)(i) of the Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act.

The IDT indicated that it was satisfied that industrial action had been threatened in contemplation or furtherance of the dispute and, pursuant to Section 12(5)(a) of the Act, ordered that the threatened action should not proceed while the matter is being heard.

The IDT further ordered that if industrial action has already commenced, it should cease with immediate effect and normal operations should be restored and maintained.

The order notes that the parties have agreed on the Terms of Reference for the matter before the IDT and have jointly formulated proposed Terms of Reference, which will be submitted to the Minister of Labour and Social Security for consideration.

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