A Jamaica Defence Force soldier patrols the Sir Florizel Glasspole Highway in east Kingston yesterday during a demonstration by employees of the Caribbean Cement Company, Rockfort, over a pension issue. During the demonstration the highway was blocked for almost an hour causing a traffic pile-up for more than three miles. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

Representatives from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Attorney General's Office are to meet soon to resolve an issue over pension payment for workers at the Caribbean Cement Company.

Minister without portfolio in the Finance Ministry, Don Wehby, said a report on the meeting between the FSC and the attorney general is to be submitted to his office by March 26.

This follows yesterday's demonstration by more than 400 workers at the cement plant in Rockfort, Kingston. They used two tractors to block the Sir Florizel Glasspole Highway in both directions causing significant traffic delays, especially for people who were heading to the Norman Manley International Airport.

The workers claim that impending changes to the Pension Act will cause them to receive smaller payouts.

According to them, under the previous administration, the FSC approved a request for the workers to get back 100 per cent of their contributions to the pension scheme plus a taxable portion of the company's contribution.

Entitlements at risk

But they say the impending changes to the Pension Act, will affect their entitlements.

Following yesterday's protest, Labour Minister, Pearnel Charles, met with the union to discuss the issue.

Deputy island supervisor at the National Workers Union, Danny Roberts, says the union has agreed to the meeting between the FSC and the attorney general. He says the union will again meet with the labour ministry next week Wednesday.