Civil service union warns NWA staff may halt work over pay and restructuring

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Employees at the National Works Agency (NWA) could withdraw their labour if long-running complaints about staff restructuring and reclassification are not dealt with urgently, the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) has advised the public.

In a statement on Tuesday, the union said about 78 workers had raised a range of issues: salary anomalies, technical officers whose posts are not properly aligned, eligible allowances that have not been paid, problems with vacation leave entitlement, and limited meaningful consultation from management on the restructuring process.

The JCSA added that members are also uneasy about job security linked to plans to establish the One Road Authority and NaRRA.

The association said it has written to the NWA’s chief executive officer, calling for urgent intervention and immediate talks involving the agency and the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.

JCSA President Techa Clarke-Griffiths said the union still supports constructive dialogue, but worker frustration has intensified and needs prompt action to prevent disruption to operations.