What about the rights of workers?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

We are thankful that the impasse between the Government and the workers of the National Water Commission (NWC) ended because water is an essential commodity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But, who is to really be blamed for this situation that we are in? Is it the workers for breaking a law made by parliamentarians to say that they cannot strike, or is it the government who, since 2008, that is 14 years ago, failed to complete a reclassification exercise and deal with their emoluments on a timely basis? The same government that finds monies to fund the Elizabeth II platinum jubilee visit from har grandpickney dem. The Government should be spending more time to resolve issues like these workers, many of whom are living from hand to mouth. I know of NWC workers who, when you see them, they are always covered in dirt because of the nature of the job.

The same problem is facing the police, too, who the Government is expecting to curb crime while they take the very police for idiots. How you can owe police money and then tell them what portion of that monies you going pay them? I never heard of anybody who owe anybody money and then tell the lender how much they feel to pay back.

Then, on top of it all, you go a Parliament go mek up laws that say they cannot strike because they are essential service.

As far as I am concerned, this is a form of modern-day slavery being meted out to essential workers by the Parliament and the governments formed by both political parties since 1962. It has been their ploy to divide and rule the working class at the expense of the rich and connected, and that is why our country will never really service the working class as it was said to be designed for.

Right now, I am not hearing enough blame being placed squarely at the feet of the Government, but more people saying the strike is at the wrong time and how it a stop me from a get my morning fresh. Yes, that is what our Government likes. This Anansi business where you blame teachers, police, NWC workers, etc, for being insensitive while the Government sit one side a kin teeth like Anansi because the people of Jamaica will not go on a general strike on a government that is essentially failing the people they swear to serve.

We need a general strike because the Government has failed to stem crime and deal with industrial disputes among other important issues. We cannot have a claffy a lead wi.

MARK TROUGHT