A threat of industrial action by some district constables has been staved off with the promise that a one-off payment of $90,000 will be made within 24 hours.
The one-off payment was received last week by rank and file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force under the 2017-2022 wage agreement .
The district constables explained to RJR News that they usually benefit from this payment as well. However, up to early Friday morning, one claimed there was no word as to when the money would be paid.
RJR News sought a response from President of the United District Constables Association Delroy Davis, who said, based on word from the government, the district constables should receive payments Friday evening into Saturday. Furthermore, he said, they will receive an additional holiday payment in January.
Back-burner
Meanwhile, some district constables are upset with the Ministry of National Security over disparities in salary and benefits received compared with members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
District constables, also known as rural police, provide support to the JCF.
They are contending that they work just as hard as the police, but this is not reflected in their remuneration packages.
One district constable, who requested anonymity, argued that they should receive the same benefits as the police, including housing allowance and overtime payment.
The district constable said they also do not benefit from incremental increases in salary.
She said the group has been placed on the back burner by Government.
"When will the government do something for us? When will the District Constable Act be changed? When will Parliament put it on the table for us to be heard?" she questioned.
She said the United District Constables Association has not been lobbying on their behalf and lacks leadership.
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