Commuters facing delays as JUTC drivers walk off the job

Some commuters were left stranded Tuesday morning as drivers of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) withdrew their services.

Drivers at the JUTC’s Rockfort, Portmore, and Spanish Town depots are involved in the industrial action, according to a statement from the state-owned bus company. The workers, who are represented by the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU), withdrew their services effective 4:00am today.

“This action is in response to an incident involving two employees from the Union of Clerical and Supervisory Employees bargaining group, which is currently under investigation,” the JUTC said.

The company’s management stated that preliminary steps to address the matter include the temporary reassignment of the involved employees while maintaining their employment benefits.

“These measures were communicated to all relevant parties, with assurances that appropriate action will be taken upon the conclusion of the investigation. While we acknowledge the concerns raised, we believe the industrial action is unnecessary, as the matter is being handled with due process,” the company stated.

It further explained that the demand for immediate termination of employees without a full investigation is not a course of action the company can take.

Commuters have been informed that the withdrawal of service will disrupt several routes.

To address the situation, the company is implementing contingency measures to minimize the impact on commuters. It stated that further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

The company is also appealing to the drivers to resume their duties and allow the process to unfold in a fair and just manner.

“We are actively engaging with union representatives to reach a resolution and restore normal operations as soon as possible and are asking for the patience and understanding of the commuting public in the meantime,” the company said.