Teachers’ salary increase uncertain

Despite several weeks of intense negotiation between the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) and the finance ministry, there is still uncertainty surrounding the salary increase to be granted to teachers.



The government has indicated that it is not in a position to grant the teachers the 80 per cent increase, which will put them in line with their colleagues in the private sector.



Minister without portfolio in the finance ministry, Senator Dwight Nelson, said the government does not have the money to offer such an increase to the teachers.



According to Mr Nelson he will be seeking a compromise from the teachers during a meeting schedule for next Tuesday:



On Tuesday the JTA summoned its Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee and Parish Action committees to a meeting for Saturday, following reports that cabinet did not discuss the issue on Monday.



However, Senator Nelson said the teachers were misinformed as the matter had been discussed at Cabinet.