By Rasbert Turner, STAR Writer

Hundreds of JUTC commuters were left stranded yesterday as drivers and conductors withdrew their services protesting against what they claimed to be several irregularities on the part of their employers.

The bus stops along the Spanish Town to Kingston route were filled with several angry passengers who were left stranded because of the industrial action.

"Wi caan get no bus and wi no know what a gwaan and a when school open dem decide fi tek industrial action," remarked a female commuter in Spanish Town.

When THE STAR visited the Spanish Town depot, workers who withdrew their services said they have just cause. They claimed that since last May, several withdrawals made from their salaries for savings, payments on motor vehicle and other assets have not been turned over to the institutions which has caused embarrassment. They add that each time they try to make a connection with their employers, they are told the matter will be worked out but they are frustrated.

"I gave several months withdrawal for savings at my credit union and when I went there on Friday, I was told that only $300 was there. And it is really a sad case. We don't know where to turn," remarked a disgruntled worker who went on to explain that workers have been forced to drive away their vehicles in order to protect them from bailiffs. Others said their houses have even been auctioned and that even insurance policies have lapsed due to non-payment of deductions.

In a release yesterday, Transport Minister Mike Henry said after assuming office as Transport Minister, he was appraised of the problem in October and consequently, sought the support of the Ministry of Finance to have the matter settled. In the process of doing so, in late December, he received a formal letter from the union about the deductions, to which he replied, committing to have the deductions paid up by the middle of January.

Also late last night, the company said arrangements were being made to pay over the deductions.