Security guards islandwide are being urged to be patient as negotiations continue with stakeholders in the private security industry, in the wake of a recent court ruling which stipulated that guards are employees, not contract workers.

The Jamaica society for industrial security, JSIS, issued a statement on Thursday, updating the public on the matter.

President George Overton pointed out that the society has been in dialogue with the government ministries and agencies, as it relates to the timely implementation of the court mandate.

He said in a bid to ensure that the transition does not result in unnecessary hardship for guards, or further negative impact on all parties involved, negotiations need to take place with clients, who use security services.

This, as the reclassification will require substantial funding, which was not contemplated in the current rates being charged.

He said, bearing this in mind, some patience is required, to allow time needed to reorganise the structure of various security companies to comply with the ruling.

Mr. Overton said this will result in a smoother transition for the guards, clients, security companies, and government.

He noted reports on social media, that guards are planning to go on strike next Monday November 7, and urged them to reconsider, as such action may sour the negotiations.