Industrial Disputes Tribunal halts salary deductions and strikes in Jamaica

The Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) has issued orders to halt salary deductions and industrial action in two separate disputes in Jamaica.

In the first matter, the IDT ordered the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) to stop deducting money from workers’ salaries for alleged arrears or advance payments. The Tribunal also barred the University and Allied Workers’ Union (UAWU) from pursuing industrial action regarding the overpayment dispute while the matter is being heard. The dispute was referred to the IDT by the Minister of Labour and Social Security.

In a second, related order, the IDT directed the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness to refrain from making salary deductions from government medical consultants to recover alleged overpayments. The Tribunal ordered the Association of Government Medical Consultants to cease any threatened industrial action and restore normalcy while the case is reviewed. A hearing for the medical consultant dispute is scheduled for September 2.