The University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) has written to the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the company’s rationalization plans.

UAWU Vice President Clifton Grant says the union is concerned that it had to learn of the staffing issues at the JUTC through the media.

JUTC Managing Director Paul Abrahams told parliament’s PAAC meeting that the bus company was overstaffed by about 300 workers.

This was costing tax payers $25 m per month to pay the extra workers.

The JUTC is expected to complete a rationalisation process by next week, and then submit a recommendation to the minister, as to what action should be taken with regards to the excess staff.

Speaking with Irie FM News this afternoon (Oct 12), the union VP says the letter requesting the meeting was sent to the JUTC today.

The union is awaiting a response from the bus company.