More security guards being laid off over refusal to sign one year employment contracts

The Union of Clerical Administrative and Supervisory Employees (UCASE) says more security guards are being laid off over their refusal to sign one year employment contracts.

Some guards, especially those who have been with their company for a protracted period, have expressed fear of losing benefits accumulated over the years.

UCASE President Vincent Morrison, speaking on the programme Real Business, on Power 106,  said he received calls from security guards up to this morning.

Mr Morrison says those guards who have been laid off are entitled to compensation from the companies.

Mr Morrison is calling for the Ministry of Labour to explain the apparent withdrawal of a letter dated March 20, 2023 and addressed to the Managing Director of Marksman Limited in which the rights of employees under the new employment arrangement are outlined.

Labour Minister Karl Samuda told The Gleaner last week that contractual arrangements are between the security guards and their companies.

Mr Samuda also urged the guards to lodge formal complaints with his ministry or to pursue court action.

And the UCASE president has denied breaking the law when he supported the protest by employees of bauxite company, Windalco last week.

In an interview with Radio Jamaica News, Labour Minister Karl Samuda said UCASE and its President, Vincent Morrison, were in breach of the law in defying a back to work order from the Industrial Disputes Tribunal.

Mr Morrison says he cannot be blamed for only seeing the order last Tuesday, the second day of the protest.