JTA and Finance Ministry agree on payment of outstanding allowances

By Clinton McGregor    

 

The Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) and the Ministry of Finance have reached an agreement on the payment of outstanding allowances to teachers under the compensation review programme.

 

The JTA has been at odds with the Finance Ministry over the fact that the Graduate Allowance and Remote Inducement Allowance were not applied to the salaries of teachers who are eligible for those allowances arising from the compensation review.

 

But in a statement to his members, JTA President Leighton Johnson said following talks, the parties have reached an agreement that one increment is to be given to each individual with a master's degree as at April 1, 2022, while two increments will be given to individuals with doctoral degrees as at the same date. 

 

Additionally, persons in receipt of the Remote Inducement Allowance as at April 1, 2022 will have the allowance calculated in accordance with the new salary scale under the compensation review process.  

 

Mr. Johnson said the new salary is to be paid on April 1, 2024 and the retroactive amounts for the period April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024 should be paid in two installments - 60 per cent in August 2024 and the remaining 40 per cent in December 2024.

 

The JTA president insisted the association will ensure the calculations are accurately computed.

 

In the meantime, Mr. Johnson said the Jamaica Teachers' Association is continuing discussions with the Ministry of Finance regarding other outstanding allowances, such as mileage and increments.

 

He promised an update on those matters "in the very near future", adding that the association remains resolute in defending the rights of teachers as well as advocating for improved salaries, benefits and conditions of service on their behalf.