News

Not all cops support sick-out

By RASBERT TURNER, Star Writer

Some of the policemen who did not take industrial action yesterday, on duty in downtown, Kingston. Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force took industrial action to force their demands in their ongoing wage and fringe benefits negotiations. - junior dowie

SPANISH TOWN

NOT ALL RANK-and-file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) are in support of a sick-out taken by police personnel in St. Catherine, yesterday.

THE STAR visited the Spanish Town Police Station and spoke with at least two sub-officers - a sergeant who said that the sick-out was an exercise in futility and that it borders on stupidity, and Inspector Patrick Murdock in charge of traffic at the station. Inspector Murdock said he does not support the sick-out and he is expecting his full compliment of staff to turn out for duty, as the work of the people must go on.

No faith

"Personally, I do not support any sick-out or the pressuring of the government for money by the Jamaica Police Federation. Although I am a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and is represented by the federation, I have no faith in them," said Murdock.

The inspector said the federation has lots of work to do such as the rampant indiscipline in the JCF, where there are members who idle and others don't even come to work, yet they expected to be paid as hardworking policemen.

He added that he would not support any disruptive action taken by his colleagues. Several other members who spoke on condition of anonymity said they can understand what the inspector might be saying but they see things differently.

The sick-out is for 47 hours and the Jamaica Police Federation represents constables to inspectors.