JTA rejects government's wage offer

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has rejected the government’s wage offer for the 2017-2019 contract period.

During a closed-door meeting at the JTA’s annual conference in Montego Bay, St James, delegates of the 24,000-member organisation today unanimously voted against the offer.

Speaking with the media following the meeting, newly installed association president, Georgia Waugh Richards, confirmed the rejection but declined to state the amount proposed by the government.

It is, however, understood that the government has offered a six per cent increase.

Waugh Richards also declined to indicate the level of increase being sought by the JTA.

It could not be immediately ascertained what were the other major aspects of the wage claim.

Meanwhile, Waugh Richards, said the parties are to meet again in two weeks to continue the wage talks.