Earlier this month in Jamaica, the Chinese-owned Pan Caribbean Sugar Company terminated the employment of 132 security guards, who are now on paid leave. The guards are represented by the National Workers Union (NWU), the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) and the University and Allied Workers’ Union.

Meanwhile, RJR News reports that, despite its militant stance against the actions of Pan Caribbean Sugar towards 132 security guards, the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) is preparing a proposal to discuss with the company. A release from the Jamaica Ministry of Labour says a fourth meeting has been scheduled for August 19, when the union intends to submit the proposal.

The security guards were laid off Thursday and this has sparked a second dispute between the company and the union. Clifton Grant, UAWU First Vice President, explained that the union is not opposed to some form of settlement. Pan Caribbean Sugar had stated that the decision to send home the workers resulted from security breaches at its Bernard Lodge, Monymusk and Frome sugar factories.

For full article, see http://rjrnewsonline.com/local/union-to-make-proposal-to-pan-caribbean-sugar-company?utm_source=rjr&utm_medium=news and http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=47237