Teachers, doctors, nurses yet to sign off on Government offer

AT LEAST three key negotiating groups in the public sector are yet to arrive at a final position on the Government's latest proposal to pay workers the seven per cent increase and outstanding retroactive sums due to them.

In a joint statement yesterday, the Jamaica Teachers' Association, the Nurses' Association of Jamaica, and the Jamaica Medical Doctors' Association indicated that they needed more time to complete consultations before submitting their response to the administration's latest proposed payment arrangement.

The Ministry of Finance and the Public Service had set a June 20 deadline for unions representing public-sector workers to respond to the Government's revised payment proposal.

The groups, in their release yesterday, said consultations would be completed by Saturday, June 25, at which time the finance ministry would be informed of their positions.

"We are aware of the time constraints but are also mindful that each group is bound by its particular processes. Our groups remain committed to ensuring equity in the public sector," the associations said.

Meanwhile, at least four public-sector groups have accepted the Government's latest offer to settle the wage issue.

State minister for finance, Arthur Williams, said the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions, the Police Officers' Association, the Island Special Constabulary Force Officers' Association, and the Island Special Constabulary Force Association have accepted the Government's offer.

The Government owes public-sector workers some $20 billion in retroactive money dating back to 2009.