By Marlene Freeman

The Jamaica Teacher’s Association has issued a directive to the Finance Ministry to immediately present an improved wage offer, failing which the association said it cannot guarantee normality in the Public Education Sector.

The JTA has also demanded that a meeting be held tomorrow, to resume wage negotiations.

In a letter to Finance Minister Fayval Williams, and copied to the media, JTA Secretary General Dr. Mark Nicely pointed to the failure of the Government to present an improved wage offer, and the escalation of actions.

The Association’s Action Committee has been summoned to a meeting at 1 pm, tomorrow.

This meeting is to determine a response, in keeping with the instructions from the delegates at the recent annual conference.

The JTA expressed disappointment and mounting frustration by the Finance Ministry’s failure to make a better offer, despite efforts, in good faith by the association to engage in meaningful negotiation.   

The teachers patience is now exhausted, and they are in a militant mood, with an intention to defend their rights and professional dignity.  

Earlier this month, the JTA’s representatives walked out of a meeting with the Ministry, and this it said marked a serious deterioration in trust and further heightened tensions among members.

The teachers have urged the Finance Ministry to act swiftly and decisively, adding that continued delay is an affront to the profession.