Disgruntled staff at Petrojam today (Jul 5) staged a demonstration to draw attention to their disagreement with recent comments made by former Energy Minister, Dr. Andrew Wheatley and the company’s management.

The placard bearing workers, all dressed in black, used their lunch break to gather at the entrance to the refinery, for the peaceful protest.

General Secretary of the Union of Clerical, Administrative and Supervisory Employees, John Levy, told Irie FM News, that the comments at the base of the contention are about them being depressed, and a reported improvement in staff engagement.

Mr. Levy says the workers are also concerned about other issues affecting Petrojam.

The management of Petrojam has not yet responded to the protesters, neither has it contacted the union.

Mr. Levy indicated that the union is willing to meet with management to discuss the issues.

And, even as workers at Petrojam staged a demonstration today to challenge reports that they are depressed, the company has said that steps have been taken to boost staff morale.

The upset workers who gathered at the company’s entrance, held placards indicating that they are dissatisfied, not depressed.

They also called for Petrojam’s General Manager and Human Resource Manager to be relieved of their duties.

This in response to claims made by Petrojam’s new human resource manager during yesterday’s sitting of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee.

Yolande Ramharrack noted the need to formally structure a health and wellness programme for staff, suffering from depression.

She also highlighted problems with the high number of staff leaving.

She said among the measures planned to curtail the high attrition rate is cross training.