St Ann’s Bay Hospital Porters Concerned About Incentives

The Union of Clerical Administrative and Supervisory Employees, UCASE, says it will be meeting with the management of the St. Ann’s Bay Hospital and the Ministry of Health to address the controversial COVID-19 incentive for Health Officials and members after Porters at the facility complained about being unfairly treated.

CVM LIVE spoke to both the management of the hospital and a Trade Unionist about the issue.

The Porters have been having concerns about a COVID-19 incentive that they say staff is entitled to.

CVM LIVE understands that the hazard pay is at least $3,000 for the handling of COVID-19 patients or any COVID-19 related tasks that may put the Porters at risk of infection.

Those claiming for incentives must satisfy one of three requirements. Firstly, any categories of staff assigned to areas with patients designated for quarantine. Secondly, any staff that carries out function for those identified as COVID-19 patients or those to undergo quarantine; and lastly anyone who is assigned to a designated COVID-19 area.

CEO of the St. Ann’s Bay Hospital, Delroy Morgan says claims are made by Porters and approved by the hospital.

But some Porters say the management of the hospital is not fair, noting that those Porters may indirectly get exposed to the virus. CVM LIVE understand that the Porters threatened to strike in September over the issue.

When asked whether a Porter has ever tested positive for the virus, Mr. Morgan said that would be a breach of confidentiality, however he did say that the Porters are tested if they work in a high risk area.

But President of UCASE, Vincent Morrison explains that the sensitivity of the matter makes it almost impossible to segregate the hazard pay. He says there will be a meeting with the hospital to address the issue.

Jamaila Maitland reports: