Labour ministry, medical consultants in retro salary talks today
The Ministry of Labour will today seek consensus in talks with disgruntled government medical consultants who on Monday stayed off the job to press their call for retroactive salaries under the new compensation review for the public sector to be paid no later than March this year.
The sickout, which led to the Ministry of Health announcing that clinic appointments at outpatient departments of hospitals and elective surgeries have been “postponed until further notice”, comes after the Association of Government Medical Consultants (AGMC), which represents some 4,000 consultants, in a statement issued mid-month accused the State of “victimisation against consultants working within the Government system”, while arguing that “all other public sector groups, including Parliamentarians, received their retroactive salaries promptly, within two months of being paid new salaries”.
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In stating then that it could not guarantee normality, the association said a firm request was sent to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to ensure retroactive salary payments to medical consultants are within this fiscal year, and no later than March this year.
The finance ministry, however, had indicated that it would pay the retroactive salaries between April and June this year.
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On Monday, while consultants stayed off the j0b, the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA), in pressing the finance ministry to review its stance further, called upon the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and all other pertinent authorities to conclude the discussions.
“All parties involved must adhere to their commitments and cooperate in order to find an immediate remedy to these problems. The quality of care provided to all Jamaican citizens is inextricably linked to the well-being of our health-care workforce, so treating us fairly must be a primary concern for the Government. Once again, we support our colleagues in their struggle for justice and respect. Even in the face of the Government’s disingenuity, their dedication to patient care is admirable. They, like us, should be given what we are owed,” JMDA President Dr Renee Badroe said.
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Meanwhile, the Opposition People’s National Party spokesman on health Dr Alfred Dawes urged the Government to act, pointing to the impact of the islandwide sickout on operations at clinics and hospitals.
“It is deeply troubling that while the Government swiftly approved and paid themselves salary increases, including retroactive payments, our medical consultants — the very professionals tasked with saving lives — are left waiting for what they are rightfully owed. This glaring inequity is not just an insult to our health-care workers but a betrayal of the Jamaican people who depend on them for care,” Dawes said.
“Medical consultants are the cornerstone of our health-care system. Their expertise, dedication, and leadership are vital to the delivery of quality care. Yet, they are forced to take this drastic action because the Government has failed to honour its commitment to them. This is not just about money; it is about respect, fairness, and the value we place on those who dedicate their lives to serving others,” he said.
According to Dawes, the Administration’s “inaction” was a clear indication that “the health and well-being of the nation are not a priority”.
“While politicians did not hesitate to ensure their own financial security, they have left our health-care workers and, by extension, the Jamaican people, to suffer the consequences of their neglect. We call on the Government to immediately address this injustice. Pay our medical consultants what they are owed. Show the same urgency and commitment to them as you did to yourselves. The time for excuses is over,” Dawes said.
The talks between the AGMC and labour ministry officials will begin at 9:00 am.
