JTA gets improved wage offer from gov't

The Government has improved its offer to the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) for the first year, putting a two per cent increase on the table.

Over four years, the Government had offered zero per cent in year one, which is tantamount to a wage freeze, and 2.5 per cent over the next three years.

The Gleaner has been reliably informed that JTA officials met today with the Minister of Finance, during which the improved offer was made.

JTA President Mark Malabver confirmed a short while ago that the Government has improved its offer.

However, he said the percentage increase would not be disclosed until the union receives the offer in writing.

Members of the JTA had previously described as disrespectful the zero per cent offer for the first year that the Ministry of Finance had placed on the table.

The JTA said it had summoned its action committee and warned that normality could not be guaranteed if the Government’s offer was not revised.

Malabver told The Gleaner that, based on today’s discussions, the ministry also gave commitments to address other aspects of the claims submitted by the JTA.

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