Some operations at three hospitals in western Jamaica have reportedly halted, as laboratory staff and several other workers continue their protest over working conditions.

The affected employees at the Cornwall Regional, Savanna-la-Mar and Falmouth Hospitals have been off the job since 8:00 A.M. yesterday.

They include medical technologists, lab technical assistants, lab attendants, health records clerks and health records technicians.

The Union of Technical, Administrative and Supervisory Personnel (UTASP) said that in relation to Cornwall Regional Hospital, it has written repeatedly, dating back to August 2023, regarding several unresolved matters.

These include non-payment of acting allowances, failure to implement agreed uniform and laundry allowances and delays in confirming permanent appointments.

UTASP said that at Savanna-la-Mar Hospital, there have also been multiple correspondences from the union since July 2023.

According to the union, despite this the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) has failed to take meaningful or verifiable steps to resolve these matters within a reasonable time-frame.

Amidst yesterday’s protest, UTASP General Secretary, St Patrice Enni indicated that he received communication from the WRHA and the Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry.

However in an update this morning, he told IRIE FM News that neither the WRHA nor the Ministry has made any further contact.