Union welcomes settlement on payment of increments for public sector workers

The Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA), a member of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), has welcomed the Government’s move to resolve the longstanding matter of the payment of increments.

The Ministry of Finance on Tuesday issued a circular indicating that approval was granted for the advancement of applicable employees along their respective substantive salary bands effective April 1.

The move is connected to the agreement reached with the JCTU regarding certain items flowing from the Restructured Compensation for the Public Sector.

The Ministry indicated that employees who were in public service prior to March 31, 2022 and who remain in service beyond March 31, 2025 are to advance three incremental points along their substantive salary bands.

Employees who do not fall in category 1 above but were in service as of April I, 2023 and remain in service beyond March 31, 2025 to advance two incremental points along their substantive salary bands.

Further, employees who do not fall in either category 1 or category 2 above but were in service as of April 1, 2024 and remain in service beyond March 31, 2025 to advance one incremental point along their substantive salary bands.

The finance ministry outlined that advancement along the substantive salary band, on this occasion, is not dependent on performance reviews and is applicable to temporary employees engaged in permanent positions as well as persons engaged on contract against established posts who are being paid in the applicable salary band.

Where advancement along the salary band results in employees being placed outside the maximum of the bands' applicable salary scales, the amounts outside the scales' are to be converted to and paid as special pensionable allowances to the affected employees.

These special pensionable allowances are to be taken into account in the event the affected employees' posts are upgraded or where the affected employees are promoted to a higher level.

The standard rules governing special pensionable allowances are to be observed.

The arrangements detailed above are not applicable to those Public Bodies that were not converted to the Restructured Compensation System in keeping with the instructions detailed in Circular No. 20 dated November 18. 2022 issued by the Ministry.

The civil service association says the issuance of the circular marks a significant step in addressing this matter, bringing well-needed relief to public sector workers.

“We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the members of the JCSA for their patience, resilience, and unwavering solidarity throughout this process. Your steadfast support has been instrumental in ensuring this positive outcome.”

The association indicated that JCTU and the Government have agreed to finalise the 2025 wage negotiations by April 30, 2025, an amendment from the original March 31 deadline.

“This revised timeline underscores our commitment to constructive dialogue and timely resolution of matters affecting our members.

“We also wish to advise that the circular relating to tailoring allowances will be issued soon. We remain committed to ensuring that all outstanding matters affecting our members are addressed in a timely and fair manner. The JCSA continues to advocate for the interests of civil servants and will work closely with our partners to strengthen the public sector and improve the welfare of our members.”

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