KINGSTON, JAMAICA — Unionised staff on the Nationwide Business Financial institution (NCB) are expressing frustration over stalled wage negotiations and what they describe as the corporate’s sluggish tempo in finalizing a brand new two-year contract.
On Monday, a number of staff confirmed as much as work wearing black as a symbolic protest in opposition to the continued delays and the most recent wage supply from NCB, the nation’s largest business financial institution. Paul Stewart, president of the NCB Workers Affiliation, confirmed the transfer, stating that it was a collective determination revamped the weekend after staff grew to become more and more stressed.
NCB and the union, which represents almost 2,000 staff, have been negotiating a brand new wage settlement since October 2023. Nevertheless, regardless of seven conferences this 12 months, Stewart says little progress has been made.
“We now have determined to put on black as we speak as a mark of protesting in opposition to their tardiness and the supply that they’ve placed on the desk,” Stewart mentioned. He didn’t disclose particulars of the supply or the share enhance requested by staff.
Whereas some staff have urged additional protests, Stewart emphasised that the union is concentrated on stopping disruptions or severe industrial motion at this stage.
The following spherical of talks is scheduled for Thursday, at which level the affiliation plans to set a deadline for administration to advance the wage discussions.
“The ball will probably be of their courtroom to resolve what they need,” Stewart mentioned, signaling that the union expects a significant response from NCB.
As tensions rise, the result of Thursday’s assembly might decide the following steps within the ongoing negotiations.
