Unions want new finance minister to prioritise outstanding compensation issues

By Halshane Burke    

 

The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) says Minister of Finance and the Public Service Fayval Williams should prioritise the outstanding issues under the compensation restructuring of the public sector.

 

JCTU President St. Patrice Ennis says despite the conclusion of the restructuring exercise there still remains several thorny issues.

 

Among the issues identified are the circulars concerning travelling, uniform and overtime polices as well as subsistence. 

 

"The priority is to settle the anomalies and the complaints that have arisen consequent on the public sector review exercise, and that we monitor the things that [former] Minister Clarke pointed out, such as the overtime. I think that is something that we must pay attention to. And there are matters with respect to the contract work, the transitioning of contract workers into regular status of employment is also something that is of significant import to the trade union movement and to the workers," he said. 

 

The JCTU head noted that the unions will be submitting their claims in November for the upcoming negotiating period. 

 

"We are required by the last heads of agreement which we signed, to submit our claims within that time period, before the expiration of the November month, to prepare ourselves for the 2025 to 2026 contract period and beyond. And so that is what we are now focused on."

 

Mr. Ennis expressed confidence that Finance Minister Williams will be well-equipped to handle these negotiations since she previously served in the ministry with direct responsibility for the public service.