President of the Jamaica Teachers Association JTA,  Dr. Mark Smith says the patience of teachers is running out, as they seek  to secure an improved wage offer from the government.

JTA representatives walked out of wage negotiations with the Finance Ministry on Friday, after they failed to get a new offer.

The JTA then gave the ministry until midnight Sunday to put forward a better offer, failing which it said it reserved the right to activate its machinery to respond.

It’s understood that the ministry has not yet responded to  the JTA’s ultimatum.

The association said it was demanding a new offer ahead of its annual conference which began today.

Speaking at the opening session of the conference this morning, Dr. Smith told delegates that the offer was flatly rejected.

Dr. Smith said  the friction which exists with teachers’ salaries must be removed. 

He added that  when the issue of salaries is addressed, stakeholders can pivot to other issues.

Dr. Smith said he, like many teachers, remains in the system, because of a passion for education and human development.

The JTA President called for a serious investment in education.

Meanwhile, Dr. Smith said teachers have been subsidising the education system and this should not happen.