Unions wary - urge Govt to be vigilant

The National Workers Union (NWU) is appealing to Minister of Labour, Pearnel Charles to be vigilant in the prevailing financial crisis.



Vice President of the NWU, Granville Valentine said the crisis has created the environment for the abuse of workers.



According to Mr. Valentine more than 35,000 persons have lost their jobs in the last 15 months.



Trade unions are expected to meet with the Labour Minister tomorrow, to continue discussions on the impending job cuts.



The unions and various employers commenced initial discussions last week, in an attempt to minimise the impact of massive job cuts.



Reports say trade unionists and employers are considering the options of staggering work hours, having persons work on alternate days, and temporary salary cuts for some categories of employees.



Last week the labour minister established a tri-partite committee to devise ways to lessen the impact of the global financial meltdown on Jamaican workers.