Lambert Brown, president of the University and Allied Workers Union. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Despite the possibility that any major job cut by Jamaican firms might be delayed, at least one trade union is encouraging its members to prepare for the worst.

President of the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU), Lambert Brown, says that even with the work of all parties, some job losses are inevitable.

"It is not only the economic challenges but also advances in technology that could force persons out of their jobs. Take the Jamaica Urban Transit Company, which is getting rid of conductors and moving to a driver-only bus which is the way public bus systems are going around the world," Brown told The Gleaner.

"We have been telling our workers to ensure that they have a MAP (My Alternative Plan).

"That might mean setting up a business now and watching it grow over time, so if you lose your job you have something to fall back on," Brown said.

Components of map

According to Brown, the MAP might include going back to school for retraining or to learn a new skill as part of the preparation for changes.

"We recognised the changes were coming and have been advising the workers. Some have responded positively while some are going to be negatively affected because they have not taken the necessary steps."

According to Brown, he is aware of many persons whose positions were made redundant, but who are better off now because they had a MAP long in advance.

arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com