August 27, 2026
Industrial Disputes Tribunal orders JUTC employees to refrain from taking industrial action
Written bySugar Ray Thomas
The Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) has ordered employees of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) to refrain from taking industrial action.
The issue relates to a salary deduction matter, which resulted in workers becoming disgruntled.
The IDT noted that the matter involves the JUTC and workers represented by the university and allied workers’ union.
The order is addressed to all persons threatening to take industrial action.
The tribunal, in the order handed down yesterday, stated that industrial action which has been threatened shall not take place, while the matter is being heard by the IDT, and if it has taken place shall cease with immediate effect and that normalcy shall be restored and maintained.
The order added that the JUTC shall refrain from making any salary deduction in respect of the alleged advance payments against arrears, until there is a determination of the matter before the tribunal in accordance with the terms of reference.
A date for when the matter will be heard before the IDT was not provided.
The dispute was referred to the IDT for settlement by the labour minister under the Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act.
The order stated that the IDT is empowered by the provisions of that act, to order that industrial action does not take place or to cease if it has begun.
The IDT made a similar order on Tuesday for medical consultants to also refrain from taking industrial action amid their dispute with Health Ministry officials over salary deductions.
