October 5, 2026
Brown: It’s possible for Gov’t and JMDA to settle overtime dispute without IDT ruling, but expects decision this week
Written byShanice Gibbs
The door remains open for the Government and the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) to settle their overtime dispute, without a ruling from the Industrial Disputes Tribunal.
That is according to JMDA’s Industrial Relations Consultant, Lambert Brown, who says the bargaining units can legally return to the negotiating table and hammer out an agreement while they await the Tribunal’s decision.
Mr. Brown spoke with IRIE FM News this morning as frustration continues to mount over the delay in the ruling.
His comments come just days after doctors staged a 24-hour protest on Friday, withdrawing services across the public health sector to pressure the Tribunal to hand down its decision.
However, Friday came and went, and there was still no ruling.
With the JMDA warning of further disruption if the delay continues, Mr. Brown said the parties do not necessarily have to remain locked in a waiting game.
The overtime matter which arose in 2023 has been before the Tribunal since January 2025.
Doctors have been waiting on a ruling since April 1.
Mr. Brown noted that with last week’s disruption to the public health sector, it is expected that a ruling will be handed down this week.
In this case, the Industrial Relations Consultant explained that it would be prudent for all parties to await the Tribunal’s outcome.
The doctors are to meet early this week to chart their next course of action
