Shot down!

Rank and file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have shot down the government's request for them to forgo a year's worth of retroactive payment.

According to Sergeant Raymond Wilson, chairman of the Police Federation, a counter offer was made to the State on Sunday, which was reportedly discussed by the Cabinet on Tuesday but at another meeting held on Friday, Arthur Williams, state minister in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, returned with the same proposal.

Wilson told The Sunday Gleaner that the government has made it clear that they will not go ahead with the payment of the seven per cent retroactive payments if the public sector groups do not agree to forgo 12 of the 24 months of retroactive payments due to them.

Wilson has urged the State to reconsider its stance. "It was quite surprising and frightening to us that the government returned to the table with the same position."

The federation chairman said the government's insistence has been communicated to its members. The sergeant added that the cops are more aggrieved now than any other time in the running salary struggle. Asked what will be the federation's response if the government does not withdraw by Tuesday, Wilson said: "The rank and file members of the JCF will decide and decide very soon."