Police wage negotiations continue between Government and federation

The Government says negotiations with the Jamaica Police Federation over a fresh wage package for Jamaica Constabulary Force members have not concluded, and further meetings are expected as both teams try to settle the remaining points.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service said its representatives met with the federation for what it called “substantive and productive discussions” on the matters still being negotiated. The ministry said each side outlined its position and accepted that more dialogue would be needed before the unresolved matters could be fully dealt with.

The ministry said it has undertaken to review the extensive work set out in the Technical Framework Agreement as it relates to the police force.

It said the federation should receive a response by June 17 on issues that fall outside the Technical Framework Agreement.

"The Government remains committed to engaging the Jamaica Police Federation in good faith and to reaching an outcome that recognises the critical role that members of the Constabulary play in maintaining public safety and national security," the ministry said.

The ministry also said any final settlement has to fit within the Government's fiscal framework and take account of its commitments to other public sector employees.

The Jamaica Police Federation speaks for officers from constable through to inspector.