The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) has expressed alarm at the directive of the Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake, ordering that Senior Superintendent of Police Wayne Cameron vacate his post as chairman of the Police Officers' Association (POA) and be denied recognition by the Police High Command.
The JCTU has called for the immediate intervention of the Ministry of Labour to uphold both national and international labour standards.
It said, failing such action, it will be compelled to escalate the issue to the International Labour Organization.
JCTU President St. Patrice Ennis said this unprecedented action strikes at the heart of freedom of association, undermines democratic representation, and places the country in direct violation of its obligations under the Constitution of Jamaica and core International Labour Organization conventions.
He said, by seeking to unseat the duly elected chairman who was chosen by POA members in November 2022, and whose mandate continues until 2025, the Commissioner has intruded into the internal governance of the association.
The JCTU said further denial of access to the High Command restricts the POA's ability to fulfill its representative responsibilities.
It stated further that, the Commissioner's directive issued after a formal complaint launched by SSP Cameron with the Police Services Commission constitutes an act of anti-union discrimination.
The JCTU said the Commissioner's directive is also unconstitutional.
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