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A major showdown is looming between the management of the National Water Commission (NWC) and the five unions representing the more than 2,000 employees.
The unions have written to Prime Minister Andrew Holness and NWC Board Chairman Michael Shaw demanding the removal of NWC President Mark Barnett and Vice President of Corporate Services Andrea Edwards Gyles.
In the letter dated August 24, which was obtained by Radio Jamaica News, the unions led by JALGO, BITU, NWU, the NWC's Executive Staff Association and JUPOPE, declared that the employees have lost confidence and trust in Mr. Barnett and Mrs Gyles and want new leadership at the utility company.
According to the unions, there is growing dissatisfaction among the NWC workers regarding the management style of the two and their approach to the rights and benefits due to employees.
They cited as two examples the reported breach of an Industrial Disputes Tribunal award to the workers and the alleged breach of a signed agreement at the Ministry of Labour in July.
They also pointed to the reported breach of internal policies and practices, namely the education grant and loan awards to the children of employees of the Commission.
The unions accused Mr. Barnett and Mrs. Gyles of showing scant regard for the welfare of workers, arguing that the trust and confidence in both have been significantly eroded.
The unions warned that they will not engage in any future discussions around wage negotiations with the two and urged the Chairman to find new leadership.
The letter, which was signed by President of JALGO Helene Davis Whyte, BITU Senior Vice President Wesly Nelson, Executive Staff Association President Pamela Hall Newland and NWC General Secretary Granville Valentine, was also sent to Minister with responsibility for Economic Growth Matthew Samuda and Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr.
Radio Jamaica News was informed that a meeting was held earlier this week with the NWC Chairman to discuss the impasse.
The NWC workers are reportedly restive and have threatened industrial action.
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