The Union of Clerical Administrative and Supervisory Employees (UCASE), representing members of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), has requested a meeting with Mike Henry, Minister of Transport and Works.

In a letter sent to Minister Henry, Danny Roberts, president of UCASE, said the union was ready to meet with him at the earliest convenience to substantiate charges and offer solutions in the interest of all concerned.

"Recent events at the Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited have prompted me to write to you requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the general situation at the company," stated Mr. Roberts.

Abuse and intimidation

He added: "There is now a staff at all levels that are totally demoralised, a major public sector entity operating without a proper management structure, workers being subjected to verbal abuse and intimidation, and clear signs that the situation may be descending well beyond the boundaries of normative industrial relations practices."

Thousands of commuters, including students who turned out for the new school term, were left stranded on Monday as JUTC workers stayed off the job in protest against sums owed to them, amounting to more than $150 million for payments to a number of financial agencies.