By Balford Henry, Senior ReporterMORE THAN 300 temporary post office employees are being laid off by the end of December.
Post Master General, Blossom O'Meally Nelson, confirmed yesterday that the contracts of between 300 and 400 temporary workers at the Post Office would not be renewed between now and the end of the year. The workers include postmen, sorters, clerks and ancillary staff.
"We need to work within the budget that was passed in April," said Dr. Nelson in explaining the lay-offs. Asked whether the reduction in staff would not affect the department's performance, she responded: "It had better not."
The 2000/2001 budget allotted some $612 million to the Post Offices and Postal Services, of which $475 million was for compensation of employees. Although wage compensation this year showed an increase of some $88 million over the 1999/2000 budget, it was way below the $613 million allotted in 1998/99.
The 2000/2001 Estimates included a warning that, the department expected to begin rationalisation of the postal services towards a commercial environment more responsive to customers needs. "Efforts will be made to improve its service to customers, its public image and staff morale," the budget notes stated.
Spokesman for the unions representing the workers, James Francis, head of the United Union of Jamaica (UUJ), claimed that the move had taken the unions by surprise. However, in addition to the warning in the budget, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Technology, Phillip Paulwell, is said to have met the unions last week Wednesday, when the matter came up.
Mr. Francis said that the unions were hoping that the lay-offs would be postponed beyond the Christmas season and that in the meantime the parties would discuss alternatives. He said that the unions expect another meeting with the Minister on Friday.
The workers being laid off have been working with the postal service for between one and seven years and have had their services extended periodically.
