JTA to again meet with ministry on wage talks

A team from the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) negotiating for an increase in salaries for government-paid teachers is to again meet with representatives from the finance ministry today to continue the wage talks.



The parties have been meeting for several weeks now, however, no agreement has been reached on the proposed wage-increase to be offered to the teachers.



The JTA is seeking to get the government to increase the teachers’ salary by 80 per cent.



The increase, if granted, would put the teachers salary in line with their colleagues in private schools.



Last week the finance ministry said it would be seeking cabinet’s approval on a figure, which has been agreed to by the negotiating teams.



President of the JTA, Doran Dixon, says the association is expecting a positive response from the government today.



He says the teachers are not prepared to wait for an extended period before the increase is granted.



Mr Dixon says the 22,000 teachers represented by the association remain restive and need the matter to be settled.