Gov't pushing to implement performance-based pay for public sector

By Clinton McGregor   

 

Minister of Finance and Public Service Fayval Williams says she is hoping for meaningful discussions with unions representing public sector workers in the upcoming contract negotiation period.

 

This is despite lingering issues under the previous period, with medical consultants in public health and administrative staff at the University of Technology among groups that recently protested over outstanding claims.

 

As she opened the budget debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon, Minister Williams touched on the contentious issue of the wage to GDP cap.

 

She argued that the fiscal balance rule and the debt to GDP ratio are strong guardrails for managing the country's affairs and will ensure it remains on a sustainable path.

 

Mrs. Williams added that the government will be seeking to implement a pay-for-performance system for public sector employees. 

 

"For the public sector, the focus should now be on pay-for-performance, efficiency in service delivery, and productivity gains. Madam Speaker, as we approach the start of the new fiscal year, we intend to make significant progress in the implementation of the pay-for-performance element of the new compensation system. We have begun the conversations with our union partners because we must continue to transform, to provide the framework and tools to improve productivity in the public sector," she announced. 

 

Nearly half trillion dollars or close to 40% of the budget will go towards wages and benefits to government-paid employees.

 

The Finance Minister said her ministry has so far received 11 claims for the new contract period.

 

Groups that have already submitted claims include the Jamaica Civil Service Association, Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions, Jamaica

Teachers' Association, Police Officers' Association and groups within the

health sector.