KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC—The Andrew Holness-ledHolness-led administration has completed the public sector compensation restructuring exercise with one of the largest group groupings of trade unions in the country.
Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke recently signed the final deal with the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU).
The Government announced its intention to restructure public sector compensation over five years ago, aiming to normalize and streamline salaries.
According to Clarke, the Government and the JCTU, which represents eleven trade unions, have now reached an agreement on several outstanding matters.
“This marks a significant milestone in the journey embarked upon approximately seven years ago when the union and the government agreed to restructure the compensation system for the public sector,” Clarke noted.
The Finance Minister says the just-signed agreement restructures conditions of service, including overtime and other non-salary issues.
‘This agreement complements the compensation restructuring agreement, signed two years ago and implemented over three years. This agreement restructures the condition of service, including compensation for extra hours worked, among other conditions of service,” Clarke said, adding that the restructuring process is evidence of the country’s ability to put itself on the right track.
Meanwhile, the President of the JCTU, St. Patrice Ennis, says despite the protracted delays in finalizing an agreement with the Government, the umbrella group is pleased with the outcome.
He added that while not all items on the agenda were fully realized, the best possible outcome was secured for all partners involved.
The JCTU represents eleven trade unions, including the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, the National Workers Union, and the Jamaica Civil Service Association.
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