Tensions at JUTC

By Clinton McGregor 

   

There could be further unrest at the state-owned Jamaica Urban Transit Company over the decision of the company to send two members of the clerical staff on administrative leave.

 

The two Franchise Protection Inspectors were sent home Tuesday following strike action taken by JUTC drivers.

 

The drivers withdrew their service to protest against the alleged assault of a female driver by the Franchise Protection Inspectors.

 

The physical altercation reportedly started after one of the Franchise Protection Inspectors discovered an anomaly with a ticket issued by the driver.

 

University and Allied Workers Union, which represents the drivers, has called for the firing of the inspectors.

 

But his call has not gone down well with the Union of Clerical Administrative and Supervisory Employees, which represents the inspectors.

 

UCASE General Secretary John Levy, who met with he management of the JUTC on Friday morning, warned that the colleagues of the inspectors are restive and will take industrial action if their services are terminated.

 

Mr. Levy insisted that CCTV footage of the incident shown to the two unions, clearly showed that the physical altercation was initiated by the driver and not the inspectors.

 

"I am of the view that the matter should come to an end now or it might escalate and lead to other issues being raised. And I'm really disappointed in my colleague from the other union who would have taken that most outlandish and outrageous position that they took having seen the video recording. And it is going to come to light at some point if we don't just close down this matter from now," he warned.  

 

He said the JUTC has taken a decision to send the driver on administrative leave after her sick leave ends.