JTA urges teachers to return to work amid protest
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) is urging teachers across the island who were protesting the current salary package on offer from the Ministry of Finance and Public Service, to return to their “regular duties” on Friday, March 10.
The JTA made the appeal on Thursday in a press release.
“The Jamaica Teachers’ Association notes the actions of our colleagues across the island to register their displeasure regarding the current salary package on offer from the Ministry of Finance and Public Service. We understand the frustration,” the statement read.
“Notwithstanding, we are asking you our colleagues to return to work ensuring resumption of regular duties as of Friday March 10, 2023. This to facilitate our team’s return to the negotiating table as instructed by the delegates. Please give us the
opportunity to discuss the outstanding issues articulated by delegates as outlined in the motion passed. Please be mindful that said negotiations are not usually entertained once our activities may be interpreted as industrial action,” it continued.
Adding that the union remains committed to securing the best compensation package for all its members and will work tirelessly to that end, the JTA went on to say that, “We urge all our colleagues to remain ready, resolved and resilient as we continue to Unite and Serve.”
Throughout the week teachers across the island have been letting their grievances heard, as various protests and sit-ins were held.
READ: WATCH: Teachers protest at Manchester schools
OBSERVER ONLINE was told of planned sit-ins and sick-outs by teachers up to Wednesday when delegates of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association will vote to either accept or reject the Government’s wage offer.
Last Friday, teachers at St Elizabeth Technical High School staged a protest, accusing the JTA of poorly lobbying on their behalf in the wage negotiations with the Government.
On Monday, the protest spread to BB Coke High in Junction and Maggotty High, both in St Elizabeth.
