The Cornerstone Fourth Edition

THE CORNERSTONE Issue 3|Quarterly: September 2021 |Website: jacisera.org

C O N T E N T S

03 AGM 2021 04- 05 HIGHLIGHTS FROM AGM 2021 06 JACISERA FITNESS AND WELLNESS CENTRE 06 Q&A JCSA MOTOR VEHICLE HELPDESK 07 JCSA Mastercards in 2021 08 Special AGM 09 AGM Highlights 10 Denham Whilby Scholarship 11 All Island Tour 12-13 Public Sector Transformation

General Secretary Updates

Housing Solutions Housing Solutions were advertised on September 1, 2021 for the following locations: Silvers Sun Batch 3, St. Catherine Monymusk Country Estate (Batch 2), Clarendon Humming Bird Meadows (Batch 1), Clarendon Perth 1a, Manchester Estuary Phase 2, St. James Industry Cove Manor, Hanover

Education Grant 2021 The deadline for the submission of the Education Grant Form was August 3, 2021. Applications are now being process by the committee.

Several members came in office to collect applications for the Silver Sun 2 Bedroom Unit. These application forms will be treated with by the JCSA Housing Co. Civil Service Week 2021 Civil Service Week this year will be celebrated under the “The Public Sector: Anchoring Technology for Sustainable Growth and Efficiency” . The following are planned activities: • Civil Servant of the year Awards and Ceremony November 19th • Island-Wide Church Services – Sunday November 21st • Public Forum (in keeping with theme) – Tuesday November 23rd • Jamaica Civil Service Week Long Service Awards – November 24th • “Another Side of Me Concert – Friday November 26th • Please see schedule attached.

JCSA CONTINUES TO MOVE FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING AMIDST THE PANDEMIC The Jamaica Civil Service Association

(JCSA) hosted its 102nd Annual General meeting (AGM) on May 28, 2021 to highlight Union's performance for the year 2020-2021.

The Annual report indicated that the Association continued to do well despite Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the Association's achievements in the past year cited in the general Human Capital Development secretary's report included, the 197 cases The Association was also able to settled by the Industrial Relations (IR) unit. continue the fulfilment of its The IR Unit stated that it faced many strategic plan to develop human challenges due to the pandemic but was capital by employing new members able to successfully persevere and of staff to the secretariat. These accomplish its goals and objectives for the new members of staff will aid in the year. fulfilment of the JCSA's mandate.

The report noted that the team was also Increase in Membership able to assist 508 members who visited The Member Services Unit reported the office or called for advice. that there was a significant increase in membership. This increase was evidenced in the September figures

and was seen subsequent to the AllIsland Tour which took place from September to December 2020.

Revenues It was also indicated that revenues increased. Projected revenue for the period June 2020- Feb 2021 was $856,700.74 which was exceeded t by 34.7 % confirming revenue of $1,154,564.51.

New ID Cards The Unit ensured that members were able to take advantage of discounts offered by merchants and to shop at the JCSA Minimart by producing a total of 1,744 ID cards over the period.

Highlights from Annual General Meeting 2021

JCSA Launches Fitness and Wellness Centre for Members President of the Jamaica Civil Service Association, Mr. O’Neil Grant is hopeful that the Association’s new Gym and Wellness Center will promote healthy lifestyle habits amongst members.

The fitness and wellness center, which was opened in June 2021, is one of two new benefits launched by the JCSA. The facility consists of the gym, two (2) rooms containing state-of-the-art workout jacisera Fitness Centre at 31 Molynes Road equipment and the wellness center which “The concept of the Fitness and Additionally the president stated consists of a spa, where members will that it will allow who are not able have access to a hair salon, barbershop, Wellness Center was born out of a to afford gym membership to nail salon, massage parlor and a food and concern for the health, some of our juice bar where they can purchase healthy members were not as healthy and well have the opportunity to have an meals. as they should be, and we realized that affordable alternative to maintain fitness Center were inaccessible to the Mr. Grant expressed that many of the members in terms of price” members are unable to maintain healthy He stated that the aim of the Fitness lifestyles because the cost of many fitness and Wellness Center is to take a and wellness centers may not be wholistic approach to health. affordable.

a healthy lifestyle.

Since its opening in July 2021 many members have been making use of the facility.

What is the Motor Vehicle Helpdesk?

Jamaica Civil Service Association’s motor vehicle help desk was launched in May 2021. It is designed to assist our members in importing their very own vehicle from reputable suppliers with a 0% profit margin. Through partnerships with First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Ltd, GBI imports and Jamaica Cooperative Insurance Agency the initiative promises to be hassle free and cost efficient. The Help desk is committed to bearing the hassle of importing, clearing, insuring, and conducting transactions with Tax Administration Jamaica and other related entities.

2. How does it work?

Once registered, members will be directed to the site where they will be asked to identify the car, they are interested in. After this information has been referred to the Helpdesk clerk members are then directed to the credit union who will conduct the loan processes. Once the transaction with the credit union has been complete JCSA will liaison with it partners to carry out the processes in importing the vehicle.

3. Can an individual choose a vehicle from any dealer?

The JCSA has an approved and vetted supplier that members are directed to.

4. What are the documents required?

• Completed application from • Government issued picture ID • Last two pay advice showing the correct JCSA dues.

• A recent Utility bill.

• Job letter • A letter of authorization for JCSA and its agent to act on members behalf 5. Can I get a loan from any institution?

Members may get a loan from our partner First Heritage Co-Operative Credit Union or The Ministry of Finance.

6. Who is eligible to apply?

Members in good financial standing with the JCSA for 2 or more years.

7. What are the conditions?

All applicants will be vetted by the Committee/ Help Desk Clerk Applicants are eligible for this service once every five years Applicants must inform the JCSA if they have transferred from one ministry/ department/agency to another.

Ministry/Department/Agency must approve salary deduction Vehicles will not be eligible for sale until after 5 years with express permission of JCSA/FHC Applicants shall maintain membership with the JCSA for the life of the benefit Applicants must become a member of FHC to obtain the loan.

8. How does one apply?

Members may go into any of our offices to apply or download our application form online 9. Will I have to pay importation and other costs?

If members should utilize First Heritage Cooperative Credit Union, this cost will be calculated in the loan amount 10. How long is the process?

The process should not exceed three months

Training of Community Health- Aides & decent work in the Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how truly essential the work of community health aides is for the wellbeing of our communities. This is a job that is highly necessary, yet vastly undervalued.

However, there is a factor that is so important to consider, Does the training and education received for this field adequately equip these workers with the skills necessary to deal with the pandemic?

Is this considered as decent work?

Community Health-Aides have helped to significantly relieve the burden placed on the Health-care system during the pandemic. Being out in the fields have put these workers a a significant risk of contracting the virus while on the job.

Unlike Nurses and othe rhealth professionals, these categories of workers have not received sufficeient training for such a dangerous task.

Whereas nurses receive 3-4 years of training and doctors receive 5-7 years of training. Health-aides receive weeks/months training which does not give them adequate time to prepare for certain things they face while caring for persons.

Meet Our Young Workers' Committee Don-Marie Thompson Committee Co-Chair

Greetings everyone! I hope you are keeping well during these challenging and difficult times of navigating the corona virus (covid-19) pandemic.

The Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) continues to provide excellent advocacy service and support to its members in this unprecedented time.

The JCSA Young Worker’s committee provides young workers between the ages of 18-35 within the public service with a forum to gain knowledge and an opportunity with in the union to have an input in their own growth and development. The committee is serves advocate on behalf of young workers across the public sector. I am Don-Marie Thompson, Co-Chair of JCSA Young Worker’s Committee who is assigned duties at the Kingston and St. Andrew Family Court.

I intend to play a vital role in leading the charge for creating a decent working environment for all young workers in keeping with the International Labor Laws (ILO). Serving with me with are Jehnell Spencer, Cadegia Whyte, Nikhail Campbell and Kristoff Khouri.

Jehnell Spencer Committee Co-Chair

I am Jehnell Spencer a young development professional employed to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development as a Policy Analyst. I hold a BSc. in Gender and Development Studies with a minor in Psychology and MSc, in Development Studies. I currently serve as Co-Chair within the Young Worker’s Committee and hope to engender a participative approach to the vision and goals of the committee and by extension the JCSA while increasing the voices of young workers across the service.

Cadegia Whyte Assistant Secretary

Hello everyone! My name is Cadegia Whyte and I am employed to the Registrar General’s Department (RGD). I am the Assistant Secretary within the Young Worker’s Committee. As I partner with a cadre of courageous young people to advocate on behalf of young workers within the Public Service, to develop a better Jamaica for our current and future generations.

Thank you, I look forward to serving you all.

Nikhail Campbell Committee Co-Chair

I am Nikhail Campbell, an assistant librarian attached to the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library. I serve as an Assistant chair within the Young Worker’s Committee. I aspire to play a vital role in creating prosperous working environment for young workers, where they feel inspired and motivated, contributing to long-term stability and success for themselves, their place of work and Jamaica, Land we Love.

Chit-Chat with our Member, Ms. Shawn Ashman, Director of ICT, Court Administration Division

Introduction My name is Shawn Ashman, and I am the Director of Information and Communications Technology in the Court Administration Division.

How long have you been a JCSA Member?

I have been a JCSA member for very long time, I think just as I started the service at the Ministry of Transport and Works, I am not quite sure but a long time.

Do you believe that women play an important role in trade Unions? Why? I do believe that women play an important role in trade unions. Generally the women are the nurturing ones and they tend to resonate more with the issues surrounding other females in the organization and I'm assuming that mostly females are in the government service, you find that its always good to have somebody will can empathize with you as a female understanding your issues, especially issues around sexual harassment and a discrimination as well as nepotism and so it's good to have strong solid women who are willing to stand up for their sister's and brothers in the service to help them to overcome obstacles and challenges that they may face it is very important so that nurturing motherly, caring presence is really important.

A little taste of Ms. Ashman's Work

From your life can you recall any incident that shaped your journey as a Trade Unionist?

As a trade Unionist I was taught many things a and I've had good mentors and representatives in the organizations where I have worked and over the years I have interacted with various persons from our brotherhood or sisterhood and fortunately when I needed support and guidance I had a plethora of experienced trade unionists

who were able to step up and help me and guide me in following the correct procedures and along the right path so that I can be compensated and I would’ve gotten justice in my situation.

Particularly when I was facing had a challenge at the same place I am working now in the early times like the 1st year where I faced issues with sabotage because there was no basis for the injustices that were mete out to me but, I had the JCSA and I had a guidance and support and that was what made all the difference for me and helped me to stand confidently knowing that I have backative as Jamaicans would say.

Somebody to stand with you, to guide you when you're wrong to guide you, to encourage you to do right thing. To support you when you have done the correct thing and just mold you into not just just better workers but better human beings as a whole. Because you will extend the same courtesies to your other brothers and sisters or even persons who are not a part of the union you

are able to support them and stand with them and understand what they are going through. So it really strengthens us. As they say iron sharpeneth iron, we help each other out and so we become better, bigger, and stronger in the long run.

What will be your strategy to engage the World of Work on Workers Rights?

As a visual Artist because you know I can’t leave that part out even though my profession in the government service is really ICT. Art has shaped the way in I express myself and reach out to other persons and I have used that medium to express a number of things and also to heal my soul. I would definitely go the route of using creativity and music, dance, drama and visual arts to reenergize or reunite or help reengage our brothers and sisters on the importance of networking and to be one and to be connected and to just help was to remember that to get there we are stronger than a part and so I would build strategies around unity, togetherness,

Negotiation 2021 Update 1) Salary A 4% across the board increase for all groups in the JCTU bargaining unit.

A lump sum payment of $40,000.00 to employees in receipt of a basic salary up to $1.5M per annum.

2) Housing/Land I. Government offers no objection to subsidize the infrastructure development of lands for housing to public sector workers.

II. In respect to the Irwin Housing project, St. James, the Government is willing to facilitate the provision of $200M to assist with infrastructure works. This would assist in reducing the cost of each solution and make the housing solutions more accessible to public sector workers. This site is close to start of construction through joint venture with the NHT. III. The Land and Housing Sub-Committee of the PSMC has been reestablished and will oversee the provision of suitable lands for further development.

3) Meeting of the PSMC The PSMC re-convened July 22, 2021, under the chairmanship of State Minister Marsha Smith. The Committee is scheduled to meet again in September 2021 but, if necessary, will meet before.

The sub-committees were re-appointed and will begin their sittings.

4) Education Grants • Professional Grant - $30M • Tertiary Grant - $40M • JCTU Grant - $8M 5) Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) – Subsidized fares (As per 2017-2021 Heads of Agreement) Further discussions to be held between MoFPS led by the Hon. Marsha Smith (Minister of State) and the Hon. Robert Montaque, Minister of Transport and Mining as well as the JUTC Management and the JCTU.

This will facilitate discussions on the feasibility of the JUTC providing discounted fares to Public Sector Workers.

(6) Elimination of Fixed Term Contracts Further discussions are to be held on this matter as Minister Clarke is reviewing.

oneness so that if we are strong in one organization and we connect from organization to organization the unit or the mechanism can become even stronger and then we cross borders we would be a force to reckon with and when we have that sort of power then we can influence any change but if we're not together then it just can’t happen.

Member's Corner

How do you feel about vaccination and how are you coping in the pandemic?

Tamara Maxwell, Bustamante Children's Hospital, Dietary dept.I have not made up my mind about vaccination as yet. It is a bit scary for me because there is so much information about it. Persons are saying this and that but I want to make sure. I am not against it. One of my concerns is that they want to make it mandatory. I think if persons want to take it

Tamara Maxwell, Bustamante Children's Hospital, cont'd

that is OK. As relates to how I am coping, I am just trying to make the best of the situation because even at work to see persons dying and s it has left me in a position where i feel shaken up. You're in a position where you feel helpless. You want to do something but there is not much you can do. It is hard and I know the government is trying to find ways to solve the problem because this is all new to us.

Maxine Savage-Tennant, Bustamante Children's Hospital

Well, I have been taking all the necessary precautions. I wear my mask, sanitize and so forth. I am not vaccinated as yet but other persons in my department are vaccinated.

JCSA Fast Forward 2021 Grand Draw