Industrial action reportedly looms at the Spanish Town road headquarters of the Petroleum Company of Jamaica (Petcom).

The National Workers Union (NWU) which presents some workers says they are extremely fatigued and restive over several outstanding issues.

NWU Vice President Arthur Grant says there is a possible breach of one of the worker’s constitutional rights.

In a statement today (Jul 23) the NWU indicated that it issued a notice for the withdrawal of labour last month, citing concerns over suspensions redundancies, dismissals, treatment of staff  and what the union describes as the company’s reluctance to improve wage and fringe benefits.

Mr. Grant adds that the union is horrified that a member of staff who has been working for 26 years was suspended without pay since December 2017.

The union explains that the worker has indicated that he cannot work in a new position for religious reasons.

Mr. Grant says the last meeting discussing this issue was held on July 13, where a request was made for his reinstatement. He says the situation has not changed.

He says this matter has been referred to the Labour Ministry for conciliation.

He adds that the union also intends to lobby the support of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, Jamaica Employers Federation and the Jamaica Union of Seventh Day Adventists.