Unions hopeful for wage compromise

Charlene Stuart, Senior Staff Reporter

Public sector unions which participated in today’s meeting with Finance Ministry officials are hopeful that they can reach an agreement with the government over wage increases.

President of the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) O’Neil Grant says he believes the government will put forward a proposal that will benefit everyone.

The president general of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, Kavan Gayle, did not attend this morning’s but said he was briefed on the discussions by his members.

According to Gayle, at the meeting the government presented a picture of the economy and requested restraint and consultation from the union.

But he says his union has suggested that the government must appreciate the sacrifices workers have been making over the years and so a common ground must be established.

Today’s meeting was the last scheduled one before the government begins negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) team on Monday.

The IMF team will be presented with the government’s economic plan as Jamaica seeks to ink a new deal with the multilateral agency.

charlene.stuart@gleanerjm.com