Unions stand with Curtis

The 11-union strong Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) has thrown its full support behind former Clerk to the Houses of Parliament Valrie Curtis in calling for an apology and withdrawal of a letter, from Speaker of the House Juliet Holness to the now retired clerk, accusing her of gross dereliction of duty.

The powerful union group argues that the Speaker’s public condemnation of the former clerk “not only tarnishes Ms Curtis’ distinguished career but also sent a chilling signal to other public servants. It’s imperative for leaders to be exemplars of respect and to adhere to procedural rights, particularly within our legislative body”.

According to the JCTU, criticism, when necessary, should be constructive and follow due process, especially concerning constitutionally mandated positions.

“The Speaker has fallen well short of this standard, and her public apology ought to be forthcoming without further delay,” the unions stressed.

In a letter to the editor, the JCTU said the accusation of “gross dereliction of duty” is tantamount to gross misconduct. The union body said that the labour relations code Section 21 (ii) (b) states, “no worker should be dismissed for a first breach of discipline except in the case of gross misconduct”. According to the JCTU, the Speaker’s letter suggests Curtis’ dismissal, making it more than just an inappropriate reprimand.

The letter issued to the former clerk was sent to 62 lawmakers in the Lower House.

In its letter to this newspaper, the JCTU says it has waited “patiently for a commensurate response to the numerous commentators’ denunciation of the public scolding” by the Speaker to the now retired clerk.

“It is in this regard, resulting from a board meeting and collective stance on the matter, the JCTU supports Ms Curtis’ impassioned request for an apology and withdrawal of the letter.”

Violates due process

The JCTU contends that, despite the “immaterial” point made by the Speaker last Tuesday that the letter was not placed on Ms Curtis’ file, the withdrawal of the letter should be seen as both an apology and a retraction, acknowledging the misstep and restoring dignity to Ms Curtis’ name.

“The Speaker’s letter disregards constitutional separation of powers, violates due process, and contravenes public service regulations, labour relations codes, and established protocols. The unilateral approach taken here undermines fairness and constitutes an abuse of power,” the unions declared.

The JCTU notes that despite widespread calls from trade union leaders, public commentators, the parliamentary opposition and civil society, urging Holness to retract her letter to the former clerk, dated March 22, 2024, and issue a public apology, the Speaker has remained steadfast in her refusal to do so.

“This insistence persists despite commendations and tributes from both houses of Parliament, including praise for Ms Curtis’ ‘strong work ethic, organisational skills, attention to detail, and 28 years of commitment to upholding parliamentary ideals’.”

The March 22 letter from the Speaker accused the former clerk of “gross dereliction of duty” and bringing Parliament into disrepute, two “extremely grave allegations”. However, the JCTU said it is worth noting that Holness herself praised Curtis for her exceptional service on two occasions after the release of the derisive letter – one a week before Curtis’ retirement on March 26, 2024, and the other on April 24, the day Parliament reconvened.

“This apparent contradiction between exceptional service and accusations of dereliction of duty should not be overlooked,” the JCTU added.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com