JUTC industrial action shows lack of public welfare

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing to express disappointment and strong disapproval regarding the recent service disruptions caused by the industrial action at the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC). The inconvenience caused to thousands of commuters is unacceptable, especially for a matter that should have been resolved internally without escalating to a public service disruption.

It is deeply troubling that the unions representing JUTC workers supported a strike over an internal issue that is currently under investigation. The decision to withdraw services affected citizens who rely on public transportation. This situation highlights a lack of consideration for the public’s welfare and raises serious questions about the priorities of those involved.

What makes this situation even more disheartening is the likelihood that these workers will still be compensated for day’s work when they were on strike, all at the expense of Jamaican taxpayers. This is an affront to the hardworking citizens who fund public services and expect accountability in return. Had this been a private company, such actions would likely not have been tolerated, yet it seems that in the public sector, such disruptions are deemed acceptable.

The only silver lining in this unfortunate situation is the statement from Minister Daryl Vaz, who suggested the possibility of training military personnel to operate buses in the event of future disruptions. While this is a pragmatic approach, it underscores the need for more robust measures to prevent such actions from recurring.

The JUTC management, union representatives, and all stakeholders should prioritise the public’s interest and ensure that internal disputes are resolved without compromising the essential services that so many Jamaicans depend on. People deserve better.

JAVON MOATT