Written By: Sugar Ray Thomas
President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), Mark Malabver, has stated that he is no longer prepared to ask educators to show restraint as they push for better salaries.
This, as he warned that the island’s teachers have reached their limit in exercising patience over stalled salary negotiations with the Government.
Addressing the St. Thomas Chapter Conference of the JTA at the weekend, Mr. Malabver said teachers are enduring increased transportation expenses, and other mounting financial pressures while negotiations drag on.
He explained that a sticking point in the negotiations is the JTA’s position that trained graduate teachers must be given priority in the compensation package.
Mr Malabver argued that the Association is no longer prepared to accept further delays from the Government, as its patience has been tested.
He urged teachers to ‘stay tuned’ and ‘listen up’.