Gov’t probing legality of Chinese mechanics at popular repair shop

The Government has launched an investigation into the employment status of several Chinese mechanics working at a fast-growing auto repair shop in Ferry Pen near the St Andrew-St Catherine border.

Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr confirmed on Thursday that his ministry is probing whether all legal and regulatory requirements have been met by the workers at WH Car Service, a Chinese-owned operation that has drawn large crowds and social media buzz for its quick and reportedly more affordable vehicle repairs.

“The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is aware of the public concerns surrounding the employment status of several Chinese nationals reportedly engaged as mechanics in Jamaica,” Charles said in a statement.

“We want to assure the public that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to determine whether all legal and regulatory requirements, including valid work permits and employment documentation, have been satisfied.”

Minister Charles stressed that his ministry is coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure labour laws are upheld.

“The rights of both foreign workers and Jamaican citizens remain a priority and any breaches, if found, will be addressed in accordance with the law. We remain committed to transparency, due process and the protection of our labour market integrity,” he said.

The Ministry said updates will be provided once the investigation concludes.

On Wednesday, The Gleaner reported that the shop has been drawing customers from across the island, many of whom arrive before dawn to secure a spot. A notice now caps the number of vehicles serviced each day at 30, citing overwhelming demand.

Inside the shop, director Ming Jian Chen explained that the restriction is to preserve quality as the business, which launched just two months ago, adjusts to its rapidly expanding clientele.

“We realise that too many people want to come in to check their vehicles, but we don’t want to low down our quality of the service,” Chen told The Gleaner through a translator.

Currently, 10 Chinese mechanics are employed at the facility.

Ming said their presence is not to undercut Jamaican mechanics, but to provide a complementary skill set. He revealed plans to hire and train local workers, saying: “Mechanics – fixing vehicles – it’s a skill. If Chinese mechanic and the Jamaican mechanic fixing skills mobilise, we can improve the whole industry.”

Ming also pointed to future plans for expansion into other parishes and to begin selling car parts locally. However, he noted difficulties sourcing rare parts in Jamaica, saying, “Right now, ... it’s hard for us to get the parts in local (Jamaica) because some of the parts, they are rare, and that’s one of the challenge.

Veteran Jamaican mechanic Steve Holland welcomed the presence of the shop, saying it could lower car part prices and promote training. “It will be good if they do training also of Jamaican mechanics, [rather] than just setting up business, [and] getting customers,” he said.

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