ST JAMES, Jamaica — Newly installed president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) La Sonja Harrison has accused the Government of using a “hostage approach” in the ongoing public sector compensation review.

The discussions, she also complained, have been “shrouded” in secrecy.

“One of the concerns of this process is the approach taken by the Government on its implementation. Literally, a hostage approach was employed: sign and release. We have something you want to see, and you cannot until you do!” Harrison told her members during her investiture ceremony at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in St James on Monday night.

“What’s worse is that, even since then, as you see in the movies, the hostage holder still calls the shots even with compliance. Though invited to two sessions deemed ‘consultations’ some of our questions and requests for formulas remain denied to date,” she added.

Harrison has requested that the Government assure the country’s educators that negotiations will be entered into in good faith, providing them with a chance to have input in discussions that will have a significant impact on their financial future.

“Is this indicative of that which is to come? Elimination of the bargaining process? I want our leaders to allay the fears of our teachers that this is not the case; even with their current bid to roll most of our negotiated allowances into basic salary — all to be taxed,” the JTA president argued.

“Some articulate that this is a good thing as it relates to the calculation of pension, but there are some rights and freedoms to which we should never attach a price tag, at least not dollars and cents. Collective bargaining must be safeguarded as a feature of the Government of Jamaica employee/employer relationship,” added Harrison.

She noted that during a meeting held on August 16, it was revealed that after teachers have settled on the new wage structure consultations will continue to determine the Employee Performance Management.

“How can this be? To what end do we put the cart before the horse?” questioned the JTA head.

Harrison is now calling on her more than 25,000-strong association members to be vigilant.

“It goes without saying that, like other public sector workers, we will not allow the Government to just do away with the concession facility,” she assured.

She urged the Government to provide teachers with a liveable wage, one that factors in the current economic realities.

“The inflation rate is over 11 per cent, the food bill is out of this world and gas prices continue to soar. The struggle is real. Why then do we wonder why our professionals are leaving? How can we sacrificially attain the required certification yet be compensated far less than its value?” questioned Harrison.

She argued that, by reducing waste and pilferage at all levels of the system, the Government would have more funds available to better pay teachers and provide more resources to the entire sector.

-Anthony Lewis.

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