UCASE happy with outcome of meeting with Labour Minister

 

Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. recently met with the Union of Clerical Administrative and Supervisory Employees [UCASE] to discuss several priority issues, including the concerns of industrial security guards. 

 

Mr Charles reportedly sought to assure the union representatives that his ministry is open for dialogue on these critical issues and stands ready to ensure that the rights of all workers and employers alike are protected. 

 

The Minister reiterated that, once the concerns have been presented, the Ministry will respond promptly and appropriately.

 

UCASE president Vincent Morrison told Radio Jamaica News that he was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, on in which he and his colleagues "were able to explain to the Minister (inaudible) and we know that what we have said to the Minister is totally correct, not only from a legal perspective, but when it comes to custom and practice."

 

Mr Morrison said the Labour Minister characterised his role as one akin to that of an umpire, "and we love that; we don't want anybody to take our side, what we want is a labour ministry that is prepared to call a spade a spade, to say to the workers 'You have a case,' (and) if you don't have a case, tell us, but don't tell us that we don't have a case when we have a case."

 

Earlier this month UCASE wrote to the Labour Minister requesting a meeting to discuss what it characterised as major issues affecting the workforce in Jamaica.