Industrial Actions by Some Ambulance Drivers

Kingston, Jamaica. Tuesday, July 8, 2025-The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) has received reports of industrial action by ambulance drivers on Monday, July 7, 2025, and Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

The sick-outs are related to concerns over retroactive payments owed to the group and the upgrading of drivers’ posts.

As a result, some services have been affected, including nursing support at the Kingston Public Hospital, mental health services at the Kingston and St. Andrew Health Department, and operations at the National Chest Hospital.

Under the region’s decentralized transport management system, each institution is responsible for its day-to-day operations, including the supervision of drivers and transport logistics. In anticipation of such challenges, SERHA had previously advised all institutions to establish service agreements with external ambulance providers. This proactive measure allowed for swift support and has helped to ensure that critical ambulance services remain operational.

A meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, 2025, between the Ministry of Labour and SERHA, with the goal of achieving a timely and amicable resolution to the issues raised.

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