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The joint group representing the Jamaica Teacher’s Association (JTA), the Nurses’ Association of Jamaica (NAJ), and the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA), in expressing solidarity with the police federation, will delay the signing of the Heads of Agreement for the seven per cent wage increase.
Despite accepting the Government's proposal, the JTA, NAJ and JMDA will hold off on signing in hope that the Police Federation will also accept the Government's offer.
"In consulting with the leaders here, none of our groups will sign or be attending the signing ceremony for the arrangement until the federation has concluded their own consultations and submitted to the Government their final position," said Dr Shane Alexis, president of the JMDA.
He asserted that the joint decision was based on the need for dialogue, which he noted has not been recognised over the years.
"We have to stand for principles and that principle is there must be consultation without interference or prejudice by any group.
"And the fact there is a difference of opinion does not mean any group should be singled out or discriminated (against) in any way," he said.
The Government had proposed implementing the outstanding seven per cent increase in September, with one month retroactive pay for the current financial year being made at that time, and the remaining five months being paid in December.
The Government had also proposed to pay the outstanding two years of retroactive salaries over three years in five tranches starting in 2012 or in three tranches over three years starting 2012.
The federation accepted the proposal to begin payment of the seven per cent in September but rejected the payment schedule for retroactive sums.
In response to the federation’s rejection of the Government’s proposal, state minister with responsibility for the public service, Senator Arthur Williams, had said the Government made its best offer and would not treat any group differently.
Five of nine public sector groups have accepted the Government’s proposal following consultations with their members.
However president of the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association, Dr Shane Alexis said despite accepting the offer, there are several issues that must be addressed.
Despite accepting the Government's proposal, the JTA, NAJ and JMDA will hold off on signing in hope that the Police Federation will also accept the Government's offer.
"In consulting with the leaders here, none of our groups will sign or be attending the signing ceremony for the arrangement until the federation has concluded their own consultations and submitted to the Government their final position," said Dr Shane Alexis, president of the JMDA.
He asserted that the joint decision was based on the need for dialogue, which he noted has not been recognised over the years.
"We have to stand for principles and that principle is there must be consultation without interference or prejudice by any group.
"And the fact there is a difference of opinion does not mean any group should be singled out or discriminated (against) in any way," he said.
The Government had proposed implementing the outstanding seven per cent increase in September, with one month retroactive pay for the current financial year being made at that time, and the remaining five months being paid in December.
The Government had also proposed to pay the outstanding two years of retroactive salaries over three years in five tranches starting in 2012 or in three tranches over three years starting 2012.
The federation accepted the proposal to begin payment of the seven per cent in September but rejected the payment schedule for retroactive sums.
In response to the federation’s rejection of the Government’s proposal, state minister with responsibility for the public service, Senator Arthur Williams, had said the Government made its best offer and would not treat any group differently.
Five of nine public sector groups have accepted the Government’s proposal following consultations with their members.
However president of the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association, Dr Shane Alexis said despite accepting the offer, there are several issues that must be addressed.