Some of the employees, who usually look after pavilions across the island, congregated outside the council's Blenheim, St Michael headquarters from as early as 1 p.m. but were told that although the cheques were ready, they couldn't collect them until after 3 p.m.

One worker told the WEEKEND NATION they were supposed to be paid every two weeks, the 15th and 30th of the month, but that was hardly ever the case.

"This is three weeks now we haven't been paid. We've been given no explanation. Today [Thursday] is the 17th; you would think that after making us wait for our money so long that they would pay us early.

"I was here from ever since begging them to pay me. I got my credit card to go and pay and it should've been paid since the 15th of this month. Every pay day they doing this to us now.

"The time they pay us [after 3 p.m.] is also a problem. The bank is usually shut so you have to cash the cheque at a supermarket which means you have to spend a certain amount of money for them to cash it; money you can't afford to spend," said the irate worker.

Industrial officer with the National Union of Public Workers Wayne Walrond, who listened to the concerns of the workers, said he would write management on the matter and make suggestions on how they could improve the payment times and dates.

"I went to investigate to see what the problem was and I am confident that we will reach a solution," he said.

Acting Director of Sports Mona Alleyne declined to comment on the matter. (MR)