JTA probing reports of salary anomalies at HEART but agency insists no errors

The Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) says it is investigating reports of "anomalies" in retroactive salary payments for some of its members who are employees of HEART/NSTA Trust, the government-owned national skills training agency. 

But, HEART says "there is no evidence of any errors in the amounts paid to staff." 

JTA president Leighton Johnson says the union is assessing several reports to determine whether any adjustments will have to be made. 

"We're also appealing to our members that once you feel that there is any anomaly or discrepancy in the salaries that you have received, that they make contact with the Jamaica Teachers' Association immediately," he told The Gleaner on Monday. 

HEART said last December it received approval from the finance ministry for the implementation of a new salary structure, for the period April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2025.

It said it implemented the new rates and made retroactive payments in March. 

"Approximately 1,500 employees were processed for payments. Of this number, approximately one per cent registered concerns regarding a number of employment-related matters, including details relating to retroactive payments," HEART said in a statement to The Gleaner last Monday. 

"The trust provided clarity regarding all queries raised."

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.