Toll dispute goes to Ministry

The labour ministry has invited workers employed with Jamaican Infrastructure Operator Limited and their union to a meeting today.



The invitation was extended after the University and Allied Workers Union, UAWU, raised concerns about a plan by the Highway 2000 operator to outsource certain positions.



Jamaican Infrastructure Operator said the positions that will be affected include toll collectors, safety and maintenance officers, tag sales customer service representatives, technicians, electricians and some administrative staff.



Yesterday afternoon operations at the Vineyards and Spanish Town toll plazas in St. Catherine were disrupted after workers were informed of the plans.



Financial and Administrator manager at Jamaican Infrastructure Operator, Collin Murray believes the workers are overreacting to the plans.



He contends that the company is simply transferring the human resources function to a company which is more experienced in that area.



Mr. Murray, however, could not guarantee that all the workers would retain their jobs