Commish urges wage restraint

Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

Police Commissioner Owen Ellington is urging the leadership of the Police Officers’ Association (POA) to help to manage the expectations of members in relation to a wage increase.

Speaking at the POA’s annual conference in St Ann today, Commissioner Ellington said the group should exercise restraint in its salary negotiations with the government.

He says the discussions must be pragmatic but approached with dignity, decorum and professionalism.

Earlier, outgoing chairman of the POA, Superintendent Merrick Watson said the association would not accept a wage restraint for the 2012-2014 contract period.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Ellington says a new cash flow system implemented by the Ministry of National Security has seen some 70 police service vehicles being repaired and returned to use over the past few weeks.

Commissioner Ellington says in another few days the force will be receiving additional vehicles, but he did not say how many.