KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Andrew Holness led administration has completed the public sector compensation restructuring exercise with one of the largest grouping of trade unions in the country.
Nigel ClarkeFinance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke recently signed the final deal with the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions, (JCTU).
The Government had announced its intention to restructure public sector compensation over five years ago, aiming to normalise and streamline salaries .
According to Clarke, the Government and the JCTU, which represents eleven trade unions, have now come to terms 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 the restructuring of 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 compliments the compensation restructuring agreement which was signed two years ago and which was implemented over a three year period. This agreement, restructures condition of service, including compensation for extra hours worked among other conditions of service,” Clarke said, while adding that the process of restructuring is evidence of the country’s ability to put itself on the right track.
Meanwhile, President of the JCTU, St. Patrice Ennis, says despite the protracted delays in finalising 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 Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, National Workers Union and the Jamaica Civil Service Association.
