Staff press NSWMA management to thrash out concerns
Published:Tuesday | July 19, 2022 | 12:12 AMAsha Wilks/Gleaner Writer
Sanitation staff are accusing the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) of depriving them of overtime salaries while they work in poor conditions and with inadequate equipment for the past seven months.
“Dem deal wid we like the rubbish out deh,” one worker lamented, telling The Gleaner that if these and other pressing matters are not immediately addressed, they could stage a protest later this week.
This service disruption would gravely impact Spanish Town and Portmore in St Catherine and Hagley Park Road in St Andrew, in particular, another worker said, noting that these areas were already getting infrequent service.
On Monday, the National Workers’ Union (NWU) issued a 72-hour notice advising of the intention to withdraw labour services, lamenting failed efforts to have meaningful conversations with the management of the state agency to resolve the issues.
Additional issues raised included the implementation of flexi-work schedules, the absence of compensation for out-of-town travel, inconsistent salary payments, and the lack of a pension plan.
NSWMA Executive Director Audley Gordon informed The Gleaner that he spoke with the union head after receiving the letter and that a meeting has been arranged for today to address the concerns.
The sidemen are reportedly frequently asked to go up to four hours beyond their regular 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift as the sections of the island grapple with a backlog in garbage collection. They also said that the NSWMA has not compensated them for work on Sundays and public holidays.
While some workers received gloves four months ago, there is also limited to no access to bleach and other cleaning agents, the workers said.
“A some wicked ting dem deh pan,” said one frustrated staff member, adding that the situation was causing a financial strain on his family.
The father of two girls said that he is unable to effectively care for his children as sometimes he takes home a measly $10,000 in a fortnight after National Housing Trust, National Insurance Scheme and education tax deductions.
“Everybody just a hide. You nuh see no one face to face to chat to and voice yuh complaint,” chimed in another worker, noting the lack of dialogue with management.
Some employees have accused the NSWMA of frequently paying salaries up to a week late, despite fixed dates for the fortnightly payments on the 7th and 27th of each month.
“Dem a print this (payslip) and give yuh, and when you get it, you feel nice,” said one of the disgruntled workers, “but when you go a machine, you don’t see the money inna di machine.”