Bridgetown.
Workers in the Ministry of Environment's drainage unit were off the job yesterday, protesting the nonpayment of salaries.
Several of the workers gathered outside the drainage division's Pine headquarters and met with General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers, Dennis Clarke.
Clarke told the media that the workers are usually paid bi-monthly, half of their salary on the 15th of each month and the other half at the end of the month, up to yesterday, they have not received any money.
He expressed concerned that workers, like staff of the drainage unit, are often treated badly, although their jobs are vital to maintaining the health of the island.
Clarke said that the workers were willing to protest outside of Goverrnment Headquarters while Cabinet is meeting on Thursday if no resolution is found o the problem by today.
Late last night, Minister of the Environment and Drainage Dr Denis Lowe issued a press release stating that the workers will be paid by Friday.
“I have been assured today (yesterday) that the cheques will be signed this afternoon and that employees from the National Environmental Enhancement Programme will begin collecting their pay cheques as early as late this evening, and we anticipate that everyone will be paid by Friday,” Lowe stated.
