The opposition People’s National Party (PNP) in Jamaica has reiterated a call for the government to reach an amicable solution to the wage dispute with public sector workers. Meanwhile there’s speculation there could be more industrial action as public sector unions continue to reject a two-year six per cent wage offer.
Sincerity and respect urged
In a statement, the PNP called on the government to show the “sincerity and respect” required in the negotiations with the public sector workers, calling on the government also to change its “incalcitrant stance” in the negotiations.
The opposition party has also called for a better offer to workers, adding that this approach is the only basis for achieving a wage settlement which has been outstanding for more than a year.
A national priority
“This is clearly a national priority and we, the PNP, continue to share the concern of many stakeholder groupings and civil society that the country cannot afford the continued feeling of insecurity and fear which comes with the failure to have our security forces operating at full strength,” the PNP said, adding it is an ominous sign that the country has begun the New Year in the same manner as it ended the last with a spiraling murder rate. The Party urged the government to place the security of the country as top priority by creating the condition for a speedy settlement with the rank and file of the security forces. The party’s statement also reflected it has consistently indicated its willingness to sit with the Government to develop a more effective response to escalating violent crime and anti-social behavior.
PNP found creative ways
The PNP said that the former administration, faced with a worse economic situation, found creative ways to meet the individual sector demands by utilizing a combination of benefits and wages. “This was achieved because the negotiation was conducted in a consultative and respectful manner. The workers over the years have sacrificed for the benefit of the nation by enduring several years of wage restraints and limitations. They deserve a decent and liveable wage offer.”
The government has maintained it cannot increase the wage offer as it will impair its ability to achieve the wage-to-GDP target of nine per cent in keeping with the country’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
 in Jamaica has reiterated a call for the government to reach an amicable solution to the wage dispute with public sector workers.){kind=link}