Finance Ministry, JCTU agree to begin wage talks on July 16

 

Amid growing discontent among public sector employees over stalled wage talks, the Ministry of Finance and the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) have agreed to begin wage negotiations on July 16.

 

The date was set on Thursday when the parties met at the ministry with Minister of State Zavia Mayne. 

 

JCTU President St. Patrice Ennis told Radio Jamaica News that the union leaders reminded the minister that the counter offer tabled by the government is a non-starter.

 

"We did meet and have a fulsome discussion as to how we would like to proceed with the negotiation. The minister understood our angst, he understood our displeasure at the offer made by the ministry. But explained it is a negotiation, and that we want to reset and we will commence the negotiation on July 16. We have agreed to that date and another meeting date on July 29, just to pin down those days."

 

Mr. Ennis said Thursday's meeting set out the expectations of either party and the timeframe for conclusion of the wage talks.

 

The JCTU submitted its 2025-27 wage and fringe benefits claim to the government last November seeking an increase of 15% in year one and 10% in year two.

 

But the Ministry of Finance in its counter offer, submitted to the Confederation last week, proposed a four-year contract. 

 

The Finance Ministry has reportedly offered an increase of 0% in year one, 2.5% in year two, 2.5% in year three and 2.5% in year four - a total increase of 7.5% over four years.

 

This was rejected by the JCTU.