(Jamaica Gleaner) The Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA), has reportedly agreed not to seek a wage increase for public sector workers until 2016.
It’s understood, the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Union (JCTU), will do the same and that the decision should be announced by its executive shortly.
However, the agreement will not prevent civil servants getting increased wages through promotions and performance incentives.
A JCSA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, says the agreement comes with some conditions.
One of those conditions is for public sector employees to get a lump sum payment of $25,000 in August of each year, to assist with back to school expenses.
It’s also understood that the government has agreed to a programme of voluntary separation for some workers and a productivity enhancement initiative for others.
The government is seeking to forge an agreement on wage restraint with all public sector unions as it seeks to contain spending as a precondition for inking a deal with the International Monetary Fund.
The island’s teachers have rejected the latest offer made by the government and is to meet on Friday to discuss the way forward.
The police have already indicated their reluctance to accept a wage freeze without alternative benefits.
