No decision yet amid NWC strike action

Some 2,000 employees including management staff have taken strike action over improved wages and fringe benefits under a reclassification programme agreed in 2008.

More than a decade later the Ministry of Finance is yet to commence reviewing the NWC compensation package.

The decision by the workers to has disrupted water supply across the island with no official word on when normal service will return.

In an advisory today, the NWC said: “The management of the NWC is working to maintain supply delivery whilst negotiating through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS) and the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MoFPS) to resolve the matter.”

“We will provide regular updates to the public as things progress. The NWC craves the patience and understanding of the public as we work to restore water supply in the shortest possible time.”

We will provide regular updates to the public as things progress.
The NWC craves the patience and understanding of the public as we work to restore water supply in the shortest possible time. pic.twitter.com/QNFcoZ4oHv

— NWC Jamaica (@NWCjam) May 10, 2022

More than six hours later though, there has been no further update from the state-run utility company.

And based on reports the workers are adamant that they will remain off the job until their concerns are satisfactorily addressed.

Late last night word started swirling that an industrial action was looming at the state agent. By daybreak today residents observed no water in their taps with the situation quickly spreading across all parishes.

Based on reports received from residents in the Old Harbour area, all NWC facilities in St Catherine South Western have been impacted.

The developing situation did not have much of an impact on essential services such as health facilities, police stations, and institutions of learning. But things could change dramatically within the next 24-48 hours if the parties involved fail to reach a consensus.