Police, teachers await further wage talk with Gov't

It appears some public sector groups may have been slighted as the Government moved to sign off on another wage freeze.

Yesterday, the Government signed a contract with the Jamaica Civil Service Association and the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions which will see wages for public sector workers frozen for the next three years.

However, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), the Jamaica Police Federation and the Police Officers’ Association say there was limited discussion with them.

Chairman of the police federation, Sergeant Raymond Wilson, says the Government only met with his group once.

Sergeant Wilson says he finds it strange that discussions with other groups had been far advanced that an agreement could have been signed yesterday.

Sergeant Wilson also said he has received verbal notice of a meeting with the finance ministry set for Friday.

He says he will continue to press the position of his members that they will not accept a wage freeze without alternative measures for easing the burden on workers.

The president of the JTA, Clayton Hall, also said his group only had limited discussions with the Government on a wage contract.

He is still hoping the Government will continue the negotiations in good faith.

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