Psychiatric nursing aides in St. Ann, St. Mary and Portland say they will remain off the job until a conciliatory meeting is held to respond to their concerns raised with the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA).

The psychiatric nursing aides withdrew service at public hospitals and clinics, this morning (Feb 21) over several vexed issues.

The workers who are represented by the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) took industrial action, after a letter to NERHA last week requesting a meeting within seven days went unanswered.

BITU union delegate Annissia Bridgett -Marshall says nursing aides are being forced to do additional duties outside their job description and have alleged unfair treatment.

Mrs. Bridgett-Marshall says the nursing aides have grown weary of promises made by NERHA.

She notes that they will remain off the job until the meeting scheduled for Saturday, February 23.