Finance Ministry Finalises Public Sector Compensation Review

After years of negotiation, the government has completed the public sector compensation restructuring exercise with one of the largest grouping of trade unions in the country.

Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke inked the final deal with the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions, JCTU, on Thursday.

Chevon Campbell tells us more.

The Government had announced its intention to restructure public sector compensation well over five years ago.

The aim was to normalise and streamline salaries across the public sector, simplifying many of the disparate allowances and benefits.

Work got under way in 2022 after the country emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, with a general agreement inked the year after.

Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke says the Government and the JCTU, which represents eleven trade union groups, have now come to terms on several outstanding matters.

The Finance Minister says the just-signed agreement restructures conditions of service including overtime and other non-salary issues.

Dr. Clarke says 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 concedes that while not all items on the agenda were fully realized, the best possible outcome was secured for all partners involved.

St. Patrice Ennis, President of the JCTU.

The JCTU represents eleven trade unions, including Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, National Workers Union and the Jamaica Civil Service Association.