The council will conduct a job evaluation exercise aimed at laying off almost 237 workers from a total workforce of 537. The council currently spends $350 000 in salaries and wages against an income of $240 000.
The workers view the matter as politically motivated and not objective. But a council management source said: “Despite fierce resistance by workers against the job evaluation exercise, Ministry of Local Government will soon despatch a team led by Ericah Johns, to conduct the exercise.”
The Town Clerk’s Office said a manpower audit showed the council had over employed and it was accumulating huge salary arrears, impacting negatively on delivery service.
Workers rejected the option of short working hours and payment of flat allowances proposed by council. This would have helped council to secure a loan from the bank to pay off the workers. The source warned the council to be wary of the present contracts so that it would not end up violating provisions of the Labour Regulations Act.
Post published in: News