Discussions between the island’s junior doctors and the government regarding overtime remuneration and retroactive payments owed are to continue next week.

The Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) has been meeting with representatives from the Ministries of Health, Labour, and Finance since Monday, when the doctors staged an island-wide sick-out.

In an update this afternoon, the Ministry of Labour said it continues intense conciliatory discussions with the JMDA and representatives of the Ministries of Health and Finance.

It said some progress has been made, and it is grateful to the parties for their open and rigorous dialogue.

The Labour Ministry added that it is appreciative of the responsible and professional manner of the conciliatory discussions displayed by all the parties to date.

It noted that another meeting of the parties is scheduled for next Tuesday, December 17.

The ministry is hopeful that the parties will arrive at an amicable settlement at that meeting.