Lab Technicians Ordered Back to Work by Industrial Dispute Tribunal — Petrojam

Petrojam has confirmed that its laboratory technicians who staged a protest action on Thursday have been instructed to return to work. The order was handed down by the Industrial Dispute Tribunal (IDT) late Thursday, October 2, 2025, and requires the technicians to resume their duties starting Friday, October 3.

Key Details

• The workers involved in the industrial action are members of the Petroleum Workers Association, which is affiliated with the Union of Clerical, Administrative, and Supervisory Employees (UCASE).

• Petrojam reported that the IDT’s back-to-work directive covers all scheduled shifts, beginning with the 7:00 am to 7:00 pm assignment on Friday.

• The employees had withdrawn their services earlier in the day, sparking concerns about disruptions to refinery operations.

• Petrojam emphasised that normal operations must continue to safeguard stability in Jamaica’s energy sector.

Background

Petrojam is Jamaica’s sole petroleum refinery and plays a vital role in energy supply and economic activity. Industrial action at the facility often sparks national concern, given the potential impact on fuel distribution, electricity generation, and related services.

The dispute comes amid ongoing discussions between management and unions over employment conditions. While details of the technicians’ grievances have not been publicly disclosed, the action was significant enough to warrant urgent intervention by the IDT.

The tribunal, which is responsible for settling labour disputes in Jamaica, issued its ruling to ensure continuity of service while negotiations continue.

Quotes

Petrojam, in a statement released Thursday night, said:

“The technicians are expected to be present for scheduled 7:00 am to 7:00 pm shifts on Friday and to resume their duties and all other shifts.”

The company also noted that compliance with the directive was essential to maintaining stability in operations.

Analysis

This latest industrial dispute highlights the recurring tension between labour unions and management within critical state entities. The IDT’s swift intervention prevented what could have been a major disruption in the energy sector, but it also signals the urgency of resolving deeper issues through dialogue.

Labour disputes of this nature test the resilience of Jamaica’s industrial relations framework. The balance between protecting workers’ rights and ensuring continuity in vital public services remains a sensitive but necessary challenge.

Our Opinion

The back-to-work order at Petrojam underscores the need for proactive engagement between unions, workers, and management. While employees must have space to voice and address grievances, maintaining stability in the energy sector is equally vital for the nation’s economy. Going forward, a more transparent and collaborative approach will be essential to avoid repeated disruptions and ensure fairness for all parties.