JTA, Gov’t to hold more wage talks

Jerome Reynolds, Gleaner Writer

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) and the Government are to hold further talks on its wage claim on the 2010-2012 Heads of Agreement.

Delegates at this week’s JTA annual conference rejected the government’s latest offer to settle the outstanding payments.

New JTA president Clayton Hall says the union is to write to the Minister with responsibility for the Public Service to secure a meeting to discuss his concerns with the counteroffer and to seek a resolution.

Hall says while the teachers are aware of the government’s financial challenges, they are also suffering and need an adjustment to their salaries.

But Hall says the wage issues will not affect the start of the new school year.

For months, a wage deal for the 2010-2012 contract period had been a sticking point between the government and unions representing public sector workers.

But after lengthy negotiations some unions and the government finalized an agreement in May.

However, the JTA is among some unions which did not sign on to the deal.

radio@gleanerjm.com