Stakeholders in the private security industry could have difficulty assigning guards to duties, because they have been instructed to call in sick today, into the weekend. 

The Jamaica Association for Private Security (JAPS) said the industrial action stems from contention over a breach in uniform policy, among other issues.

JAPS president Teddy Lee Gray noted that some security companies have discontinued the free uniform provision, and other companies are charging guards exorbitant sums for uniforms, up to $50,000.

Gray further explained that guards have complained about other issues, to include, non-payment for overtime work, and leave entitlements.

Mr. Gray said he called on the security companies to respond to the concerns by yesterday, but they did not.

As such, he said guards were told to go on strike starting today, until Monday July 28.

He said attempts to also get a response from the Jamaica Society for Industrial Security, and the Labour Ministry, failed.

Gray urged security guards to defend their rights.