IDT not ready to rule on wage row

The Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) has reserved, until further notice, its ruling on the Jamaica Teachers' Associa-tion's (JTA) long-standing wage row with the Government.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles had, in June, referred the dispute between the island's teachers and the Government to the IDT.

The hearing for the wage dispute, which began on Monday, ended yesterday.

JTA President Nadine Molloy told The Gleaner that both parties presented their closing statements and are now awaiting the result.

"We are satisfied with today's (yesterday) proceedings," Molloy said.

Unable to deliver

The more than 23,000 public-sector teachers are owed$8 billion, with $4 billion due this year.

The Government has repeatedly said it is committed to paying teachers and other public-sector workers.

However, it says it is not in a position to do so now, especially in light of the conditions of a loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund.

Last week, Education Minister Andrew Holness told teachers at the JTA's 46th annual conference that the Government would abide by the ruling of the IDT.