JUTC averts strike action by workers

By Clinton McGregor 

 

The health cards of some employees of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) have been reactivated by their insurance company.

 

An agreement was reached Friday morning between the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU), which represents the JUTC workers, and the insurance providers, Canopy Insurance Company.

 

The workers had threatened to take industrial action after their health cards were blocked by the insurers.

 

This prompted the management of the state-owned bus company to warn the public that there could be disruptions to the transport system due to the dispute.

 

But speaking with Radio Jamaica News, UAWU First Vice President Clifton Grant disclosed that the parties made some progress during Friday's talks.

 

"Coming out of the meeting, Canopy agreed to restore the cards so that the workers can have full access to the use of the card immediately. So we're looking forward to feedback from the management whether or not Canopy will live up to its word of restoring the cards so that the workers can access to the benefit."

 

He said the parties will meet again on Monday regarding Canopy's proposal an adjustment in premium rates.

 

Mr. Grant admitted that the workers are still upset over the decision by the insurance company to cancel their health cards without giving them any notice, calling the move unfortunate. 

 

The JUTC employees have rejected a proposal to double their premium payment of 10.5% on their health insurance coverage, provided by Canopy Insurance.

 

The increased premium was scheduled to take effect on April 1.