Resumption of performance increments for public sector employees

 

Kingston, Jamaica: Thursday, April 30, 2026

Following a meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, between the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MOFPS) and the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), both parties are pleased to advise that an agreement has been reached to resume annual performance-based salary increments.

This development reflects the continued engagement and advocacy of the JCTU, as well as the Ministry’s commitment to advancing matters affecting public sector employees. A formal Circular will be issued by the Ministry on Monday, May 4, 2026, to provide details of implementation.

Employees will recall that Circular No. 20 dated November 18, 2022 suspended incremental movements for the period April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2025, during the implementation of the Government’s new Compensation Structure. With the completion of this reform on March 31, 2025, the conditions are now in place to facilitate the resumption of increments.

Accordingly, payment of annual performance increments, including seniority allowances, where applicable, will recommence in the 2026/2027 Financial Year.

The MoFPS and the JCTU emphasise that this step demonstrates the value of sustained collaboration in addressing public sector workers’ concerns. Both parties remain actively engaged in negotiations for the contract period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028, and are committed to concluding these discussions as soon as possible.

While several items have already been agreed, efforts continue to resolve outstanding matters from the Compensation Restructuring Exercise. In the interim, the resumption of performance increments is a tangible and positive outcome for employees.

Both the Ministry and the JCTU acknowledge the ongoing contributions of public sector workers to national development and reaffirm their shared commitment to improving terms and conditions of service.

                                                                                                                           –30–

For further information contact:

Corporate Communication & Public Relations Branch

Ministry of Finance and the Public Service

30 National Heroes Circle

Kingston 4

Tel: (876) 932-4656/4660/4655

Email:  [email protected]; [email protected]

Contact: Shakiel Rochester Shorter/Suzell Wray