Mike Henry (left), Minister of Transport and Works, listens keenly to the suggestions of Lambert Brown, president of the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU), during yesterday's signing of the agreement between the Jamaica Urban Transit Company and the UAWU, which will see the laying off of more than 300 workers at the bus company. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Some 340 workers of the state-owned Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) will be made redundant, starting next week.

Representatives of the cash-strapped bus company and the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) yesterday signed an agreement, which will see the laying off of some 256 customer service agents (conductors) and about 84 drivers.

The redundancy exercise is expected to commence at the beginning of next month, starting with the removal of 100 conductors, and will end no later than February 29.

Lambert Brown, president of the UAWU, who signed on behalf of the trade union, said he recognised the realities of the economic challenges faced by the JUTC.

"We are therefore mindful of the fact that there are more employees than is necessary to serve the public, given the number of buses that are on the route," he told journalists during a press conference held at the Ministry of Transport and Works' Maxfield Avenue offices in Half-Way Tree.

"(The UAWU) also recognises that, in a modern society, the role of a conductor or conductress is not a role that is essential or critical. All our workers at JUTC are aware that this is a job that may eventually become obsolete," added Brown.

He, however, said that under the Memorandum of Understanding he thought that they would have had enough time to train workers, who are to be sent home, fo employment.

Douglas Chambers, president of JUTC, said this marks the first phase of a restructuring programme at the state-owned company.

Increasing efficiency

Chambers said the next step involves increasing the efficiency in terms of the management of the company's inventory, and the effectiveness of the bus service - making sure that all routes are on schedule.

"We are also looking to work to change the culture and the attitude of the staff and management. Within the next six months the travelling public should start to see a significant difference in our operations," he said.

Transport Minister Mike Henry said there would be special considerations for workers with serious economic constraints. He said that as the company worked to re-establish its fleet, individuals who were made redundant may reapply for their positions.